An Augustan settlement in Venlo (prov. Limburg): a military distribution centre in the Meuse area?

Abstract

An Augustan settlement in Venlo (prov. Limburg): a military distribution centre in the Meuse area?

Finds (coins, pottery and metal ware) dating to the Augustan period from 16/15 BC onwards from excavations carried out in Venlo (prov. Limburg/NL), are the subject of this article. Venlo is situated along the Meuse; the total amount and nature of these finds from rural sites are not known there. Although settlement traces were lacking, the finds may point towards military occupation in the present city centre. Their existence suggests the Roman willingness to secure their supply chains during the campaigns in Germania. The military site of Venlo probably served as a distribution centre, from which goods from the Meuse valley found their way to the garrisons along the Rhine.