A Roman Villa Landscape

In Roman times, this area was surrounded by villas. Villa Vlengendaal is the best studied example.

Just as today, farmers ploughed the fertile loess soil. This explains why the region became so important: large amounts of grain were needed to feed the soldiers stationed on the northern frontier along the Rhine.

As a result, large agricultural estates were established — the Roman villas. In the first and second centuries AD, an average of two to three villas stood here per square kilometre.

Villa Vlengendaal was excavated in 1910. The excavation revealed fragments of a wall painting. This exceptional find can now be seen in the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden.

In addition, 700 silver coins were discovered near the villa. The oldest dates to the year 70, the youngest to 257 AD. This coin hoard is now on display in the Landesmuseum in Bonn.