During archaeological work in the Merwedekanaalzone in Utrecht, a section of an old Roman road has been uncovered. This road is a branch of the northern Limes, known as the “A1 of Roman Netherlands,” which led to a Roman fort located at the present Domplein.
Extending from the Europalaan in Kanaleneiland to the Domplein, the road was gravel-paved and five meters wide, with side lanes for livestock transport making it 30 meters in total width. Drainage ditches were alongside the road.
According to the municipality of Utrecht, this discovery provides new insights into the Roman Empire’s presence and the landscape in Utrecht. The Limes was constructed for rapid movement, and its layout was straight and efficient.
Archaeologists have long questioned why the Limes did not run past the fort at Domplein. The newly discovered branch answers this question.
Archaeologist Nils Kerkhoven expressed excitement about the find, describing it as discovering a Roman T-junction. The Merwedekanaalzone is being prepared for housing construction, prompting archaeological investigations since last month, as the Limes is known to pass through the site.
The road was found accidentally, according to archaeologist Erik Graafstal. Recent archaeological finds also include a solid silver hairpin, a bronze cart component, and an iron ballista arrow.
Source: NOS