Between cities and country towns. A comparative research to the function of Roman vici between Cuijk and Maastricht

The research and knowledge of Roman vici in the Netherlands is still very limited. So far, the function and role of these vici and their regions are only researched and concluded on a micro-scale. The lack of research suggests that this kind of settlements were not important for the organisation and operation of an area. However, the opposite is true. The aim of this thesis is to research the functions of the Roman vici located at the Meuse in the area between Cuijk and Maastricht. In order to be able to research the functions, the two vici with the most extended knowledge have been selected for a more detailed research: Venlo and Cuijk and their region. These vici and regions have been researched by a literature review of the archaeological data and location analysis and by a comparison. The purpose of the literature review was to analyse the archaeological remains, such as houses, and the material culture, among which mainly ceramics and coins. Both indicate the kind of...Show moreThe research and knowledge of Roman vici in the Netherlands is still very limited. So far, the function and role of these vici and their regions are only researched and concluded on a micro-scale. The lack of research suggests that this kind of settlements were not important for the organisation and operation of an area. However, the opposite is true. The aim of this thesis is to research the functions of the Roman vici located at the Meuse in the area between Cuijk and Maastricht. In order to be able to research the functions, the two vici with the most extended knowledge have been selected for a more detailed research: Venlo and Cuijk and their region. These vici and regions have been researched by a literature review of the archaeological data and location analysis and by a comparison. The purpose of the literature review was to analyse the archaeological remains, such as houses, and the material culture, among which mainly ceramics and coins. Both indicate the kind of connections of the vicus and how wealthy the inhabitants were. The location analysis is based on research of vici abroad. The analysis consists of three aspects: the geological location, the presence of natural resources/life necessities and the infrastructure. All of this information could indicate possible functions. The vici of Venlo and Cuijk with their regions have been compared in order to clarify the differences and similarities. Only few similarities were observed, mainly concerning the geological location. Noteworthy is that the civilian vici were similar during the first century. When the change from wooden to stone building material occurred, the vici became distinguishable. The material culture, industrial activities, infrastructure, region and relations to large cities are in no means the same. In the end, it became clear that Venlo and Cuijk are very different vici with different phases, developments and material culture. It appears that Venlo was mainly focussed on trade over water and Cuijk was focussed on trade over land. Both can be considered as regional centres with an important role in the distribution of materials and the spread of Roman culture. In time Cuijk became much more prominent in its region. Several archaeological remains indicate that Cuijk gained a higher status, while Venlo was abandoned in the end of the second century. The results of this thesis emphasise that the functions of the vici in the region Cuijk-Maastricht could be quite varied. It points out that the vici were an indispensable and significant aspect of the Roman period.Show less

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Between cities and country towns. A comparative research to the function of Roman vici between Cuijk and Maastricht