Linea Recta dreams big and loves to do so together with new driving forces
Author: Harry Lindelauf
Photography: Anja Neskens en Linea Recta
The Linea Recta Foundation wants to make the residents of Landgraaf more aware of the local Roman past. During its third lustrum in 2023, the foundation could look back on a series of achievements; now chairwoman Elly Smit and secretary Eefke Bos look toward the future.
The placement of a hardstone obelisk at Op de Heugden in Landgraaf, at the highest point of the Via Belgica in South Limburg, an educational box, lectures, a walking route, 52 paintings of legionary Lucas with corresponding 52 YouTube videos, and a large mural under the viaduct at the Haanweg.
These are the main achievements in the fifteen-year history of the foundation. The history of the foundation is clear, but what does the future look like?
Chairwoman Elly Smit explains that the past provides the foundation for the future: “The book by our founder John van den Berg about Lucas Claudius Alvaro is and remains our basic document. Everything we do must be based on that book.” In his book Het amulet van de Lichtberg (2017), John van den Berg describes the adventures of Lucas, a Roman legionary from Spain.
When developing new activities, Linea Recta also applies three principles: it must be sustainable, preferably in cooperation with Landgraaf’s entrepreneurs, and budget-friendly for residents.
Big dreams
“There are enough ideas, and we dream big, but we need to regain momentum after the corona period. John still keeps us grounded when necessary, because it’s all about hands and money,” says Elly.
The ideas and dreams include Roman walks guided by a tour leader (“our greatest wish”) and lectures in schools.
Eefke adds: “A dinner à la Asterix and Obelix — that’s my personal greatest dream.”
The everyday reality is that Linea Recta helps at events with a Roman theme, such as Rimburg graaft! in May 2024 and the Via Belgica Marathon, also in May.
Eefke Bos: “We’re happy to support those events; we’re always open to new initiatives. The marathon passes the mural under the viaduct at Haanweg at our request — something we can all enjoy.”
Looking for new driving forces
But the biggest challenge for Linea Recta’s future remains — as for many associations and foundations — attracting new volunteers.
Elly Smit: “We now work with a group of kind, committed, and enthusiastic people. It’s always a joy — full of fun and cheerfulness. Some founding members are still active.”
Eefke Bos: “But we need more hands. We’d love fresh blood, renewal, and driving forces with new ideas.”
Where does their interest come from?
Elly Smit: “I used to live near the Zuidlaardermeer in Groningen and felt various objects under my feet in the shallow water. When I asked the city archaeologist about it, he laughed at me. I couldn’t stand his arrogance, so I contacted the local history society and some divers. They found a large number of Roman artefacts — the Romans really were there.” Elly also presents herself as a Roman woman with special knowledge of Roman cuisine.
“My father John founded Linea Recta in 2007. I wanted to help him with his work — that’s how it started. So, I was infected by my father with a harmless Roman virus. Now I enjoy stepping into my Roman alter ego at events, creating atmosphere, and offering people a bit of experience. And wherever I go on holiday, I always look for the Romans.”— Eefke Bos
Roman finds in Landgraaf
- The Via Belgica, passing through Landgraaf via Leenhof to Rimburg, with a wooden bridge over the Worm. The road was discovered in 2020 beneath the current Broekhuizenstraat.
- A walled cremation grave of a woman with rich grave goods. The site, in the Hoefveld district, is now marked by the artwork Dis Manibus.
- Farmsteads: one at Overste Hof under the former waste heap of the Wilhelmina mine, and another near the Leenhof farmhouse.
- A kiln for tiles and roof slates near the Leenhof farmhouse.
- Remains of house foundations with workshops in Rimburg.
