Crossing the Altmühlsee in a Roman boat
What did it feel like to row in a Roman riverboat? At our alumni event on Friday, June 12, 2026, you can try it out for yourself: together, we’ll board the Fridericiana Alexandrina Navis (F.A.N.) – a faithfully reconstructed Roman boat, just like those used at the beginning of the 2nd century AD, on the Altmühlsee.
Here’s what you can look forward to
- A short lecture by Prof. Dr. Boris Dreyer (Professorship for Ancient History) with fascinating insights into the FAU’s research projects at the Altmühlsee.
- After an introduction to the topic of Roman patrol boats, it’s time to hit the water: on board the F.A.N., you will row like the Romans – accompanied and guided by the experienced, trained staff of EGEA e. V. association and FAU.
- An exhibition in the boathouse at the Altmühlsee provides information about Roman boatbuilding, previous research findings, and additional reconstruction projects.
- If the group would like to, we’ll end the day together at a local restaurant.
Look forward to inspiring afternoon full of science, history, and shared activity!
When Roman emperors and generals began conquering the region along the Rhine and Danube from the first century AD onwards, there were initially no roads. Only one means of transport was available to carry troops, goods and news from distant regions to the wilds of the north: by ship on the rivers. But what exactly were the boats like that the Romans used to penetrate deep into the land and later to patrol the river frontiers? What were they made of? Which technology was used to propel them? FAU historian Boris Dreyer from the Professorship for Ancient History explores these and other questions: He reconstructs and tests Roman river boats, taking them as far as the Black Sea. It goes without saying that he cannot tackle such a mammoth project single-handedly. He is assisted by professional boat builders, students and a great many volunteers
About the event
- Date Friday, June 12, 2026
- Time: 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
- Location: Altmühlsee (Schlungenhof)
- Exhibition Until about 4 pm, visitors can explore the exhibition on site and watch the researchers at work.
- Duration of the boat trip: between about 60 and 90 minutes
- Fitness: No special fitness levels required – rowers simply need to be able to hold and use the oar.
Come join us!
Did you study, carry out research, or work at FAU? FAU alumni are warmly invited to join the boat trip! All you need to register is an alumni account in the FAU Community Portal.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact FAU Alumni Management at alumni@fau.de.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact the FAU Alumni Management at alumni@fau.de.
Our #CampusWalks take members of the FAU Alumni Network to special places at FAU and are part of the FAU Alumni Experiences event series.