Discover Roman Alphen aan den Rijn

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Discover Roman Alphen aan den Rijn

The new Limes booklet “Discover Roman Alphen aan den Rijn” brings the Roman history of the municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn to life. The publication invites readers to explore the traces of the Limes, from the Roman castellum Albaniana to Museumpark Archeon and the Zwammerdam ship finds. In this way, the Roman past in the local area becomes visible and tangible once again.

A new guide along the Limes

During the first day of the Roman Festival, the new Limes booklet “Discover Roman Alphen aan den Rijn” was presented. The publication invites residents and visitors to set out and explore the traces of the Roman past in the municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn.

The booklet brings together stories, archaeological finds and historical locations, showing how rich the Roman heritage in the region still is today.

The Limes: frontier of the Roman Empire

Around two thousand years ago, the northern border of the Roman Empire ran straight through this area: the Lower Germanic Limes. This frontier is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and connects Alphen aan den Rijn to an international story that is still remarkably close by.

From the Roman castellum Albaniana in the town centre to the Zwammerdam ships and Museumpark Archeon, the Roman past still comes to life in various places across the municipality.

Presentation during the Roman Festival

The booklet was presented in the presence of Alderman Maurits de Vries of the municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn. On behalf of Koosje de Koeijer, chair of PReT (Platform for Recreation and Tourism), the publication was handed over to Marco Simjouw. He works on behalf of the Province of South Holland to promote Roman heritage in the region.

Stories beneath our feet

In the foreword, Mayor Erik van Heijningen emphasizes that the history of the municipality is not only found in archives and books, but quite literally lies beneath our feet and becomes visible through finds and stories.

He invites readers to set out, read the stories and look at their surroundings with fresh eyes.

Albaniana: “White Water”

A notable detail in the booklet is the explanation of the name Albaniana, meaning “White Water”. It refers to the river Rhine, which in Roman times was a lively and sometimes wild waterway along which the Romans sailed and traded.

Availability

The booklet is available free of charge at various locations across the municipality, including Bibliotheek Rijn en Venen, De Stadsherberg, VVV Boskoop, i-Flow, the Historical Society of Alphen, Museumpark Archeon, Avifauna, the Historical Museum Hazerswoude, the town hall of Alphen aan den Rijn, the Boei bridge keeper’s house, and Nigrum Pullum in Zwammerdam.

Uitreiking Limes boekje tijdens romeins weekend.jpg

From left to right: Koosje de Koeijer – Chair of PRET, Maurits de Vries – Alderman, Municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn, Marco Simjouw – Project Manager Heritage Line Lower Germanic Limes, Province of South Holland, Monique Veldman – Director Museumpark Archeon, Marc Krimpenfort – City Centre Manager, Debby Leenen – Municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn

Photo: Studio Alphen

Park overview

Roman times

Middle Ages