Stele of Four Deities

This Gallo-Roman stele, probably dating from the 2nd century AD, might resemble the one preserved in Langensoultzbach. It likely supported a column topped with a statue of Jupiter the anguiped. Discovered in 1577 during the construction of a barn near the city wall, it was then buried in the ground. The account of this discovery comes to us thanks to the Chronicle of Bernard Hertzog, written in 1592. Once uncovered, it was erected in the grain market square by order of Count Philippe de Hanau-Lichtenberg. A stone engraved with a commemorative inscription, dated 1580, was placed beside it; it is now kept in the small square leading to the washhouse, near the old town hall. The stele remained in the market square until 1836, when it was moved to its current location. It now rests on a base and is topped with a crown added at that time, while the names of the deities have been engraved on it. Originally, this stele was probably erected outside the city, likely at the place called "Heidenstein," near the road leading to Elsasshausen, a name popularly attributed to it.