The Discovery of a 2,000-Year-Old Roman Soldier's Tomb in Heerlen!

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers have uncovered the earliest evidence of Roman settlement in Heerlen, Netherlands. The discovery of a 2,000-year-old burial belonging to a Roman soldier named Flaccus has shed new light on the area’s ancient history.

Photo Credit: Municipality of Heerlen

A Glimpse into Roman Heerlen

The burial site was unearthed during ongoing excavations at Raadhuisplein (Town Hall Square) in Heerlen, once known as Coriovallum. Situated at the crossroads of two significant Roman roads, this settlement played a strategic role in the Roman Empire’s expansion.

The grave was first identified in late November 2024 by a team from ADC ArcheoProjecten during redevelopment work at the site. Initially mistaken for a cellar pit due to its rectangular shape and soil discolouration, its true purpose became clear when cremation remains and accompanying artefacts were revealed.

Among the items found were pottery shards, a bronze strigil (a tool used for personal hygiene), and a set of four matching terra sigillata plates. One plate bore the inscription “FLAC,” a nickname for Flaccus, etched into its surface. This personalised bowl provides a rare glimpse into the identity and life of an ordinary Roman soldier.

Photo Credit: Municipality of Heerlen

The Significance of Flaccus’ Burial

Jordy Clemens, Heerlen’s councilmember for culture and heritage, highlighted the discovery’s importance, stating:

“Today, evidence was found of Roman habitation in the time of Emperor Augustus. A unique discovery that not only teaches us more about our past, but also shows how unique the story of Roman Heerlen is for the Netherlands.”

Flaccus’ burial predates other known Roman graves in the area, making it the oldest named individual in Heerlen’s recorded history. While earlier finds, such as pottery fragments, hinted at Roman presence, Flaccus’ grave provides definitive proof of early Roman habitation.

Photo Credit: Municipality of Heerlen

Artefacts from a Soldier’s Life

The artefacts discovered in Flaccus’ tomb reveal much about his life and times. The matching plates and personalised bowl, crafted in Italy around the year 0, suggest his Roman origin and stationing in Coriovallum during the empire’s early expansion into the region. The bronze strigil reflects daily routines and personal care practices typical of Roman soldiers.

Coriovallum: From Military Post to Thriving Town

During the early 1st century CE, Coriovallum was established at the junction of the Via Belgica and Via Traiana, key trade and military routes connecting Cologne, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Xanten, and Trèves. Initially a military post, it grew into a bustling civilian settlement by the mid-1st century CE, complete with public baths that remain the largest Roman ruins visible in the Netherlands today.

Preserving the Past

Excavations at Raadhuisplein will continue through December, with artefacts from Flaccus’ grave to be cleaned, conserved, and displayed at Heerlen’s new Roman Museum. Clemens noted:

“This find not only teaches us more about our past but also demonstrates the unique story of Roman Heerlen for the Netherlands.”

The discovery of Flaccus’ burial is not just an archaeological milestone but a poignant connection to the lives of those who once walked the streets of Coriovallum, offering a vivid window into the Roman era.