Romans and Batavians

For more than 400 years, the south of the Netherlands was part of one of the greatest civilizations in history: the Roman Empire. We have learned a lot from the Romans, such as writing and the administration of justice. In addition, the Romans brought prosperity and also the longest period of peace in Western European history.

The Batavians
Thousands of marching, heavily armed soldiers, officers on horseback, packed mules and carts formed a miles long parade. The Batavian peasants who lived in this region were amazed at the sight of the amount of military display. Apart from their weapons, the Romans brought a completely different culture to our regions. They were used to big cities with buildings made of stone, though these did not exist here at all as the Batavians lived in small villages and in farms made of wood and loam.

Roman cities
Within a few generations, a colorful mixture of Celtic, Batavian and Roman cultures originated in the southern part of Gelderland. The markets and squares of Roman Nijmegen were bustling with activity. Quite a difference from the small Batavian settlements in the countryside! The Romans built roads connecting the region with the North Sea and important places like Tongres and Cologne. Their engineers built dams and bridges, for example crossing the Maas near Cuijk.

Prosperity
The romans considered the Rhine as the northern border of the Roman Empire, de limes. It ran straight through Gelderland and was fortified in Arnhem-Meinerswijk and the Byland. Sometimes a legion ventured outside the empire, which the marching camp at Ermelo shows us. Centrally located is Nijmegen, where a complete legion is stationed. In addition, Nijmegen is also the first and largest Roman city in our country. Romans built temples here and there, such as in Elst and Cuijk. The prosperity of the Romans can be seen in their villas, such as the villa in Plasmolen.