Career
In 1860, he was promoted Colonel, which demonstrates the evidence of extraordinary confidence in him by King William I of Württemberg, whose illegitimate son he probably was. As Major General he reluctantly took part in the battles of Tauberbischofsheim and Gerchsheim. From 1869 he devoted himself to literary, artistic and archaeological studies, especially research on the Roman Limes.
He was an early archaeologist at the forts of Köngen, Benningen am Neckar, Schirenhof and Unterböbingen, which are now listed as part of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site.
He chose the places of his excavations based on assessing military strategic considerations. He acquired and spread his knowledge about Roman history also on the Limes Gate Dalkingen, which he interpreted as a military outpost, and in Rottenburg am Neckar.