Looking from the Duno towards the river Rhine, you will see the Drielse ferry to your left. In 1895, Roman treasure was dredged up here that consisted of more than 200 bronze items. Scientists think that the items were probably seized during the Batavian Revolt.
The Batavian Revolt
Following the death of emperor Nero in 68 AD the Roman Empire faced a major civil war. Nero had no official successor and a number of governors attempted to seize power in Rome. The final two contenders were Vitellius and Vespasianus. Vitellius, commander of the Roman legions along the River Rhine, took an army with him to Rome, including a large number of Batavian soldiers. He even recruited old men and children to strengthen his army, which caused bitter resentment among the Batavians.
Rebellion
Julius Civilis, a Batavian nobleman who had fought in the Roman army, led the rebellion of the Batavians. The rebels defeated the Roman army that had been left behind to defend the forts along the river Rhine. Civilis received a lot of support from neighbouring tribes and declared independency from Rome. Meanwhile, Vespasianus had beaten his opponents in Italy and had been proclaimed emperor. Peace had returned to Rome and Vespasianus had shifted his attention to the rebels, sending eight legions to the Xanten region. The new legions proved too strong for the Batavians and were defeated. Julius Civilis fled towards the Betuwe area, setting fire to the Oppidum Batavorum, a settlement near Nijmegen on his way.
Peace restored
After the battle of Xanten, the Romans and Batavians started peace negotiations. There are no known records, but it seems that the Batavians did not have to pay too dearly for their rebellion. The old pact between the Romans and Batavians was restored and the Batavians continued to supply soldiers to the Roman army. However, a Roman legion was stationed near the city of Nijmegen to prevent any future revolt.
