Between 600,000 and 200,000 years ago
[citation needed], "
Heidelberg Man" died at nearby
Mauer.
His jaw bone was discovered in 1907; with scientific dating, his
remains were determined to be the earliest evidence of human life in
Europe. In the 5th century BC, a
Celtic fortress of refuge and place of worship were built on the
Heiligenberg,
or "Mountain of Saints". Both places can still be identified. In 40 AD,
a fort was built and occupied by the 24th Roman cohort and the 2nd
Cyrenaican cohort (CCG XXIIII and CCH II CYR). The Romans built and maintained
castra (permanent camps) and a signalling tower on the bank of the
Neckar.
They built a wooden bridge based on stone pillars across it. The camp
protected the first civilian settlements that developed. The Romans
remained until 260 AD, when the camp was conquered by
Germanic tribes.
