03-07-2012, 02:27 AM
I was stationed in Germany with the RAF 1973--76 and saw Xanten when the reconstructions were only just starting to be built however I never have been able to go back there and things now look just great.
What has upset me since then of course is that I took part in the public enquiry for the building of the west gate at the fort of Arbeia, then when the archaeologists and the engineers were invited to Xanten they came back and built what we now have today at Arbeia.
Xanten was indeed a Colonia however the exact same gateway is now at Arbeia which I find it to be a bit rediculous, for at the outset I saw the original plans of what was to be built at Arbeia and that was to be only a two storey gate with crenelations that would indeed have been correct for Arbeia is no Colonia.
I have always felt that this was a very foolish influence and how people got away with it realy makes one wonder if those in charge understood the subject at all.
What has upset me since then of course is that I took part in the public enquiry for the building of the west gate at the fort of Arbeia, then when the archaeologists and the engineers were invited to Xanten they came back and built what we now have today at Arbeia.
Xanten was indeed a Colonia however the exact same gateway is now at Arbeia which I find it to be a bit rediculous, for at the outset I saw the original plans of what was to be built at Arbeia and that was to be only a two storey gate with crenelations that would indeed have been correct for Arbeia is no Colonia.
I have always felt that this was a very foolish influence and how people got away with it realy makes one wonder if those in charge understood the subject at all.
Brian Stobbs
