When a ship sank to the bottom of the Rhine at Neupotz in Rhineland-Palatinate in the second half of the 3rd century AD, it took with it over 700 kilogrammes of metal artifacts of the Roman period, precious and mundane. Thanks to an international recovery effort, visitors to the Musée National d'Histoire et d'Art Luxembourg can soon immerse themselves in the history these artifacts show.

The treasure belongs to a period when the Roman Empire was in a severe crisis: Germanic tribes threatened the frontiers. Driven by avarice and poverty, Germanic groups crossed the limes and entered Raetia (in parts nowadays Bavaria ) and the Gallo-Germanic provinces. Farms, settlements and even sanctuaries were raided. During their pillaging tours, the invaders got far into Gaul and up to the Pyreneans. A Roman fleet, probably lying in wait on the Rhine , tried to intercept the Germanic plunderers, loaden with booty, on their way home. During the fight that followed, parts of the loot sunk into the river.

The more than 1,000 objects of silver, bronze, tin, and iron dug up from the river are the largest single recovery of metallic articles dating from one of the most fascinating eras in European history. Included are religious objects, weapons, coins, tools, boat and wagon parts, pots and pans.

Other remarkable finds from the same period, such as the victory altar of Augsburg are also in the exhibition. The rich Germanic grave found at Leuna in Saxony-Anhalt displays several objects of Roman origin. In addtion to that, the Musée National d'Histoire et d'Art Luxembourg presents finds from the Greater Region which illustrate the reaction not only of the Roman administration but also of the inhabitants of the provinces which suffered the Germanic invasions.

Multimedia presentations, models of ships of the times and a comprehensive catalogue provide the background for this impressive show.