Roman tomb from 'year 0' discovered in the Netherlands

Archaeologists have unearthed an unprecedented grave belonging to a Roman soldier from 'year zero' in the Netherlands, revealing clues about the presence of an ancient civilisation in the country.

Archaeologists excavate tomb from 0

Photo: Heerlen City

The approximately 2,000-year-old grave was discovered in the Dutch city of Heerlen last month and belonged to a soldier nicknamed "Flaccus", who is believed to have lived in 0 AD, according to The Independent on December 13, citing researchers.

Clues to the tomb's owner's name were obtained from the word "Flac" engraved on a cup found in the tomb.

"We have now found evidence of ancient Roman habitation during the time of Emperor Augustus. This is a unique discovery that not only helps us learn more about the past, but also adds to the story of Roman existence in Heerlen," said Jordy Clemens, a member of the city council, about the new discovery.

Artifacts found inside the tomb

Photo: Heerlen City

The results of the grave analysis allowed the researchers to determine the time of the appearance of the settlement in Heerlen during the time of the Augustan Roman Emperor, from 0 to 20 AD.

The tomb was found during excavations at Raadhuisplein, a town square in Heerlen near the ancient Via Belgica and Via Traiana routes, and once part of the Roman settlement of Coriovallum.

Coriovallum is located on the site of the oldest public bathhouse in the Netherlands, built around 40 AD. Next to the bathhouse, experts also discovered traces of a restaurant and an ancient library dating from the same period.

This is also the first time a team of experts has found a Roman tomb dated to year 0 and given a name.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phat-hien-nam-mo-la-ma-tu-nam-0-o-ha-lan-185241213200050352.htm