Discovered: 1,800-Year-Old Roman Fortification, Including a Moat, Unearthed by Students in the Netherlands
A team of university students, under the guidance of professors, has unearthed a rare ancient Roman military camp located beyond the Empire's northern frontier in Hoog Buurlo, the Netherlands. The discovery, one of only four of its kind found in the country, was made as part of the Constructing the Limes project.
The project, led by Saskia Stevens of Utrecht University, aims to explore the historical nature of borders, specifically focusing on the Lower Germanic Limes, which once marked the Roman Empire's northern boundary. The camp, spanning 22 acres, served as a temporary military outpost. It exhibited characteristic features such as a nine-foot-wide defensive rampart, a ditch, and multiple entrances.
The researchers believe that the camp was a marching camp, utilized by soldiers for brief periods during their travels. It likely served as a stopover on the way to another camp at Ermelo-Leuvenum, about a day's march away.
According to Stevens, the team's discovery was aided by advanced technologies like a computer model developed by Jens Goeree, a student at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. Goeree's model helped predict potential camp locations based on geographical and historical data. The team subsequently employed aerial surveying techniques and LiDAR, which revealed subtle variations in terrain and vegetation, signaling the hidden presence of ancient Roman walls, a moat, and trenches.
Although few artifacts were found after excavation, the archaeological features served as evidence of a Roman military camp dating back about 1,800 years, two centuries before the fall of the empire. The site was approximately 15 miles north of the empire's recognized boundaries, hinting at extensive Roman operations in territories beyond their official borders.
The innovative combination of modern technology and traditional archaeological fieldwork facilitated the discovery and verification of the ancient site, underscoring the powerful synergy between the two methods.
The exploration of the historical nature of borders, as part of the Constructing the Lines project, includes the use of advanced science, such as computer models developed by students, to aid in archaeological discoveries like the Roman military camp. This discovery, located in Hoog Buurlo, Netherlands, has opened possibilities for education and self-development, providing insights into ancient Roman history and travel.
