Entrance to Roman fortification found in Heerlen
Author: Harry Lindelauf
Photography: Gemeente Heerlen
In the centre of Heerlen, remains of a Roman fortification have been found. It concerns a staircase built of natural stone that forms the entrance to the fortification. The fortification is located at the Tempsplein, next to the museum with the remains of the Roman baths.
The discovery was made during sewer works. Earlier, remains from the Roman period had already been found under the square, such as a pottery kiln and a ditch that was part of the fortification. The fortification lay next to the intersection of the Roman road from Trier via Aachen to Xanten and the Via Belgica. The excavation also brought to light remains of habitation.
The fortification of Roman Heerlen was built in the third century. Invasions by Germanic tribes were at that time also the reason for the fortification of Maastricht and the construction of watchtowers along the major highways.
