Gallo-Roman Tienen: the Gallo-Roman tumuli of Grimde

In Roman times, Tienen was much more than a mere vicus. The town centre boasted a Roman bathhouse, while a Roman villa stood proudly on the western edge, nestled in a landscape of woods, fields, and farmland. Kilns fired endlessly for glass, ceramics, bronze, and iron. Thanks to countless archaeological finds, we know that Tienen was a true hub of craftsmanship.

Tienen’s Roman name may have been lost to history, but its past refuses to stay buried. Just outside the city, in Grimde, stand three monumental burial mounds — silent witnesses to a distant past. Rising more than ten metres high, these tumuli dominate a breathtaking landscape park of five hectares. For centuries, they have sparked curiosity and speculation.

Fascinating Discoveries in the Burial Chambers

In 1892, Baron de Loë descended into one of the burial chambers and made a discovery that would mark history. Among the finds were a magnificent golden ring and brooch, later sold at a public auction. Baron de Rothschild (yes, of the wine dynasty!) placed the highest bid. What happened to them afterwards is an almost unbelievable — yet true — story you can uncover on your visit.

Archaeological surveys have also revealed even older and later traces of life: a tomb dating back some 3,000 years beside the western tumulus, and the remains of a woman from the 7th–8th century AD near the eastern mound.

It is clear that this landscape has not yet revealed all its secrets.

Technology Breathes New Life into the Past

Today, the tumuli open up like never before. You can scan a QR code on site and follow in the footsteps of Baron de Loë to explore the burial chambers in 3D — exactly as they were discovered more than a century ago.

Exploring Gallo-Roman Tienen by Bike

Want to make sure you don’t miss a single hotspot in Gallo-Roman Tienen? There is much more to explore. Hop on your bike and follow the themed route! Along the way, you can also visit the Gallo-Roman villa Mellenberg and its private bathhouse, foundations of Roman houses, traces of a Roman craft zone, a public bathhouse, a Mithras temple, and various other Roman structures!

Tienen is ready to reveal all its Gallo-Roman secrets.

Are you ready to discover them?

“The setting autumn sun glows warmly at our backs, fields and farmlands stretch all around us. Someone places an offering in a pit for the goddess Fortuna. ‘I’d much rather try my luck with Mercury,’ sighs Father. We could certainly use a helping hand from the god of trade. Lost in thought, we pass a cemetery. Flames lick at the twilight. The scent of cremation mingles with the earthy aroma from countless pottery kilns. A little later, we reach three tumuli, looming like giant guardians beside the road. ‘One day, they’ll dig up all those bones and grave goods again,’ my sister says. ‘Very carefully, with brushes made of horsehair.’ I love Julia dearly. Yet sometimes, her words make the hair stand on end.” – Marcus Iulius Viator