Archive of the website of the former museum of regional geology and archaeology, Den Oever (Wieringen)

Archaeology - Roman Artifacts

The first reports about habitation in Northwest Europe were written by Roman historical scribes. The reports date from the Roman Period (about 0 - 500 A.D.) but are quite limited in extent and accuracy. We move on now, therefore, from prehistory (the period for which no written sources exist) to protohistory (the period for which some written sources are known).
Fragment from a Roman amphoraAs shown on the map, during the time of the Romans, Wieringen was part of the mainland. The sea was still far off, and Texel and Wieringen formed the highest points in a vast lowland area. The moraines of Texel and Wieringen were already inhabited at that time. Roman age finds from Wieringen are rare; they include the shard of an amphora, and a few sesterces from the 2nd century A.D.

Because there are few reliable written sources, what we know of Roman activity in this region is largely speculative.
Roman sesterces from the 2nd centuryWe know that the Rhine formed the northern border of the Roman empire. In addition, the remains of a Roman fort were recently found near Velsen (just northwest of Amsterdam). This must have been an advance defence post. The Roman influence was significant in northern regions such as Wieringen. They engaged in trade, and their armies led campaigns against the rebellious Frisians. This is how the artifacts must have come to be where they were found.

Last updated: 19-3-2002