An Unexpected Link to the Past
Archaeologists in Heerlen, Netherlands, have uncovered a 2,000-year-old grave belonging to a Roman soldier named Flaccus. This groundbreaking discovery offers fresh insights into the early Roman presence in the region.
A Soldier’s Final Resting Place
During excavations at Raadhuisplein (Town Hall Square), researchers unearthed a rectangular pit containing cremated remains. Accompanying these remains were artifacts such as a bronze strigil (a tool used for skin scraping), fragments of pottery, and a set of terra sigillata plates—distinctive red Roman ceramics. One plate was engraved with “FLAC,” identifying the owner as Flaccus.
Confirming Early Roman Presence
This grave, the oldest Roman burial found in Heerlen, confirms habitation in the area during Emperor Augustus’s reign. Prior to this discovery, only scattered pottery fragments hinted at Roman activity, but no conclusive evidence existed. Unearthing the name of a non-elite individual from this era is rare and provides a unique personal connection to history.
A Glimpse into Early Heerlen
Flaccus was likely stationed at Coriovallum, the Roman name for Heerlen, situated at the crossroads of major Roman roads like the Via Belgica and Via Traiana. Initially a military post, Coriovallum grew into a bustling civilian town by the mid-1st century CE. Artifacts like the strigil reveal everyday practices, such as Roman soldiers’ hygiene routines, offering an intimate look at life 2,000 years ago.
Sharing History with the Public
The artifacts from Flaccus’s grave will be showcased in the Roman Museum of Heerlen. This exhibition will allow visitors to connect with the ancient history of the region and deepen their understanding of the Roman Empire’s impact on modern Europe.
Source: Archaeology Magazine
