In addition to the deposits of red sandstone, the forests at the Main Limes provided another natural resource that the Romans took advantage of beginning around 100 AD. Oak trunks from the Lower Main have been found as far away as the legionary fort Xanten in the Roman province Germania inferior.

Woodcutters were sent from the Mainz legion to obtain wood. The Main served as an important transportation route: the tree trunks were put on rafts and floated downriver. The legionary fort required a large amount of high-quality wood for construction.

Other woodcutting units that have been identified came from Trennfurt, Obernburg and Stockstadt. They were all active around 210 AD. Under Emperor Caracalla (211-217 AD) large renovation projects were undertaken and the supply of wood has also been related to the expansion of the fleet in Britain.

Literature:
Steidl 2008, 137f. "Holzfäller", Limes-Lexikon 2009, 58.