This thesis explores the evidence for Roman archaeology on the Nijmegen moraine east of the city. This area is poorly researched compared to the city of Nijmegen in the west and the newly...Show moreThis thesis explores the evidence for Roman archaeology on the Nijmegen moraine east of the city. This area is poorly researched compared to the city of Nijmegen in the west and the newly discovered auxiliary forts in Germany to the east. Roman fortifications were hypothesized to have existed on the higher peaks of the moraine, offering a commanding view over the wider area and connecting west to east. An analysis of the available literature indicates this part of the moraine might hold more Roman archaeological remains than is currently known, including villae and fortifications on the high peaks. In an attempt to predict and locate these, the AHN3 height map of the Netherlands is used for a visibility analysis and LiDAR visualization analysis of the area. The visibility analysis shows that several high peaks, most notably the Duivelsberg, are ideal locations for a watchtower which could act as a missing link in a signalling system between the fortifications in Nijmegen and those in Germany. LiDAR analysis indicates that several areas on the moraine likely contain undiscovered archaeological remains, including World War Two battle remains, prehistoric barrows, and urnfields. The research also demonstrates the strengths and shortcomings of using these digital methods to locate new archaeological remains. It is concluded that the moraine is a highly attractive area for future archaeological research into Roman Nijmegen or other periods.Show less
The early modern period, spanning from c. 1500-1750 A.D., is a turbulent era for the maritime trade and the maritime landscape as a whole. Developments in shipbuilding techniques and international...Show moreThe early modern period, spanning from c. 1500-1750 A.D., is a turbulent era for the maritime trade and the maritime landscape as a whole. Developments in shipbuilding techniques and international economics means that already existing trade-routes expand and the rise of intercontinental trade and large conglomerates. The increasing importance of maritime trade is also visible in the archaeological record which shows a steady rise in the amount of shipwrecks during this period. Advances in modern technology and an ever increasing amount of fishing vessels means that these wrecks also get uncovered at a higher rate than ever before. Researching this ever growing amount of maritime archaeological sites with limited means has proven to be a challenge and many ships remain unpublished when they eventually degrade. Furthermore, when ships do get researched they are often treated as single individual sites with an outdated view of what a shipwreck assemblage actually is. Often the intangible aspects and the bigger picture are ignored. This thesis therefore aimed to research the trade-route for a large number of shipwrecks by looking at their assemblage. At the same time, the aim was to research these assemblages as efficiently as possible by using the classification system created by Reinders in the 80’s. The results show that researching trade-routes via shipwreck assemblages gives a much more detailed view of each ship’s trade-route. It is important though to first research each aspect individually to prevent any bias, before combining the results to come to a conclusion. Furthermore, the importance of the intangible aspects of a shipwreck’s assemblage becomes clear during the scope of this thesis as the information gained from this is often even more valuable than that gained from the tangible. The results also show that using the functional classification system created by Reinders makes researching shipwreck assemblages far easier and more efficient. It is even possible to link the categories from this system to specific trade-route identifying features. However, the classification system would benefit further defining its categories.Show less
The central question of this thesis was whether the occurrence of stoneware on different sites in the Netherlands could be caused by membership of the Hanseatic league. This idea was proposed by...Show moreThe central question of this thesis was whether the occurrence of stoneware on different sites in the Netherlands could be caused by membership of the Hanseatic league. This idea was proposed by Prof. Gaimster in many of his articles. He argues that the stoneware can be seen as a ‘Kulturträger’, an object one, as member of the large multiregional trading confederation called Hansa, could identify with. So according to this theory, towns that were part of the Hanseatic league should receive more stoneware than towns that were not. To test this idea, the model was shaped into executable research using data from 280 different Dutch complexes. To make fair comparisons, the amount of stoneware was noted as a relative percentage, opposed to other contemporary ceramic wares. It was shown that Hanseatic towns indeed gained more stoneware, but their location to Cologne, the source, was also closer. Therefore, the idea of a link between distance from source and occurrence of stoneware was proposed. The percentage of stoneware was compared to the distance from source, Cologne. This resulted in scatterplots per century. The scatterplots showed that the alternative theory indeed worked both for the Hansa and for the non-Hanseatic towns. Nevertheless, the amount of stoneware for Hansa towns is still higher than the amount of stoneware in non-Hansa towns, who were more or less located at the same distance from Cologne. The idea of an identity of Hansa linked to stoneware could thus not completely be rejected. Rather, urbanism seems to be the main driving mechanism behind the spread of stoneware.Show less
This thesis discusses the development of medieval house cellars in urban context. This will be done through the study of three Dutch towns ('s-Hertogenbosch, Arnhem and Deventer). The questions...Show moreThis thesis discusses the development of medieval house cellars in urban context. This will be done through the study of three Dutch towns ('s-Hertogenbosch, Arnhem and Deventer). The questions addressed in this study concern their characteristics (such as vaulting types, visible chronology and city specific types) and their functions (such as fire-safe spaces and general functions of medieval districts). The conclusions will highlight which characteristics are distinguishable. Primarily, that the 15th century is the appropriate era for cellars and that there is a large local variation with city-specific cellars, which is particularly the case in Deventer. An overview of the dimensions of all the investigated cellars is given. Cellars were not only used as storage, but also as a workshop or living space. They might also be related to city fires and the demand for fire-safe areas. Finally, cellars can only contribute to a limited extent to the identification of the functions of urban districts.Show less
The ‘Harvest of Malta’ report by Cleijne analysed the foundation methods of late-medieval buildings in ten cities in The Netherlands. Excavations in Kampen between 1987 and 2014 have revealed...Show moreThe ‘Harvest of Malta’ report by Cleijne analysed the foundation methods of late-medieval buildings in ten cities in The Netherlands. Excavations in Kampen between 1987 and 2014 have revealed sixteen timber foundations of late-medieval timber and timber-framed buildings, some of which appeared to be fairly uncommon. Kampen was not part of the ten selected cities in the ‘Harvest of Malta’ report, therefore the uncommon foundation methods found in Kampen did not undergo an extensive analysis. The research in this thesis analyses the sixteen timber foundations in Kampen. This will be done by studying the date, dimensions, foundation type and foundation methods, interior layout and characteristics of the superstructure of the timber and timber-framed buildings of Kampen. Furthermore, the research will analyse how the sixteen timber foundations of Kampen associate with soil type and building size. Brick foundations are left out of the dataset deliberately. All the results of the analysis are put into a table. Seven foundation types could be distinguished in the archaeological dataset of Kampen. These foundation types were categorized as KFT1 – KFT7. The foundation types included earthfast pile foundations (KFT1), pad foundations (KFT2, KFT3 and KFT6), strip foundations (KFT7) and the uncommon ‘strip and pad’ foundation (KFT4 and KFT5). This foundation type consisted of multiple layers of long horizontally placed sapling poles with stacks of wooden blocks on top. KFT3 was the most prevalent in Kampen and dated from 1300-1375. No relation between a particular foundation type and soil type could be established out of the archaeological dataset of Kampen. Furthermore, the sample size of the timber foundations was too small to establish a relation between timber foundations and building size. Narrow-fronted buildings were the most prevalent building shape in Kampen. Only townhouses were found in Kampen. Most buildings of the archaeological dataset of Kampen were free-standing at the time of construction. One-aisled buildings were the most prevalent in the archaeological dataset of Kampen. 25% of the buildings from the archaeological dataset of Kampen had hearths in comparison with the 5% of the ten cities studied in the ‘Harvest of Malta’ report. Lastly, Cleijne states in the ‘Harvest of Malta’ report that the order of steps of the ‘verstening’ process is not fixed. The archaeological dataset of Kampen shows that the first step in the ‘verstening’ process can also be the hearth instead of the foundation. It is clear that the timber buildings and timber-framed buildings in Kampen have uncommon characteristics and subsequent research could contribute more to our understanding of the ‘verstening’ process in Kampen. Show less
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....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
The political conflict between Dutch Orangists and Patriots in the Netherlands during the late 18th and early 19th century brought about the production of a huge amount of politically charged...Show moreThe political conflict between Dutch Orangists and Patriots in the Netherlands during the late 18th and early 19th century brought about the production of a huge amount of politically charged objects. Many of these items have survived from history and are nowadays kept in museums and private collections. However, the exact provenance that can provide information of the social context these objects used to be part of generally lacks. The central question of this thesis is: To what extent can Dutch Patriots and Orangists be socially distinguished by their consumer behaviour regarding ceramics and glassware apart from the use of politically charged objects when consulting historical and archaeological data from the late 18th and early 19th century? Through the study of both historical and archaeological sources an attempt has been made to fathom the material culture of politically engaged individuals in the Netherlands in the period around 1800.Show less
The main question of this thesis is whether medieval town defences were the result of well thought out master plans or if they evolved over time. If they had been carefully planned, one would...Show moreThe main question of this thesis is whether medieval town defences were the result of well thought out master plans or if they evolved over time. If they had been carefully planned, one would expect little variation (no different stages of construction). The research indicates that the town wall of Zevenbergen shows less variation than those of Den Bosch and Breda, the other towns investigated.Show less
This thesis focuses on a large warrior grave (nr 6) found in a Merovingian cemetery in Uden, North-Brabant. In 2014 this cemetery was discovered when a road was constructed. An archaeological...Show moreThis thesis focuses on a large warrior grave (nr 6) found in a Merovingian cemetery in Uden, North-Brabant. In 2014 this cemetery was discovered when a road was constructed. An archaeological excavation was carried out by Archol bv in cooperation with Leiden University. Besides 26 inhumation graves, the excavation also uncovered a settlement dating from the Merovingian period to the central Middle Ages. This makes the site of Uden-Schepersweg special as it is one of the few Merovingian cemeteries studied in relation to a settlement. Several graves were lifted en bloc and brought to the Restaura restauration laboratory in Haelen (NL). The X-ray photographs made there revealed the true nature of the finds. Grave 6 stood out as it contained a sword, a seax , a lance, two glass vessels, pottery, silver inlaid mounts of a belt but above all a large set of elaborately silver inlaid iron mounts of horse gear. The thesis is based on the research question what the meaning is of grave 6 in the context of the cemetery and in a supra-regional context. After discussing the development of Uden and the surrounding area, the Schepersweg site and previous research there, the thesis continues to discuss the Merovingian period (450-750 AD) and its burial rituals. Next, the thesis describes the contents of grave 6 in detail and compares them with other graves selected on the presence of similar horse gear mounts from Oexle’s Studien zu merowingerzeitlichem Pferdegeschirr am Beispiel der Trensen and Van Es’ and Hulst’s publication on the cemetery of Lent (Netherlands). The following chapters present the date and interpretation for grave 6. They also discuss whether the grave can be seen as a founders’ grave and what the meaning of the grave is both in the context of the cemetery and in a supra-regional context. Grave 6 is one out of a small number of graves spread over Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands that contain horse gear with silver inlay decorations in the geometric style. The horse gear causes grave 6 to be dated to the (early) seventh century, although it includes a few objects that are much older. The grave is part of the second phase of the cemetery, making it different from a traditional founders’ grave. Because it meets all other requirements it is still regarded a founders’ grave. One reason is that there may not be a continuity of burial on the site after the first phase of (two) burials in the middle or third quarter of the sixth century. The presence of a second round of founders’ graves in a cemetery could have different meanings. For example, maybe a new community settled here and reused an older cemetery.Show less
This thesis deals with two types of coins minted in Dorestad during the reign of Lothar I (840-855), and with their production and its organisation. The hoards of Tzummarum II, Roermond and...Show moreThis thesis deals with two types of coins minted in Dorestad during the reign of Lothar I (840-855), and with their production and its organisation. The hoards of Tzummarum II, Roermond and Westerklief II, made it possible to do an intensive die-study on both coin types (Type 1 and Type 2). A comparison between the created die-chains of Type 1 showed a change in the metrological aspects and designs of these coins. The hhXRF analysis of the coins of Type 1 showed a degradation of the silver content from around 90 to 60% over time. This is in contrast to the coins of Type 2, of which the silver content remained 90%. The emperor’s name and title were always written incorrectly, unlike the mint name Dorestad. This fact implies deliberate wrongly spelling of the name and title of emperor and may be interpreted as making a statement against Lothar I from the Viking(s) that kept Dorestad as a beneficium. The metrological characteristics and designs of the die-chains of Type 1 strongly suggest that these coins were all struck in the same workshop. A cautious estimation of the coins of Type 1 is 4.2 million and 190,000 coins of Type 2. The extended chaîne opératoire was developed to theorize the steps within the production of coins in an attempt to better understand this process. It shows that the production of a coin consists of three different phases, which can change independently from one another. The four parameters by Costin on the late medieval coin production were applied in order to help to understand how coin production could have been organised in Dorestad.Show less
LVMEN IN TENEBRAE (Light in the darkness) presents a comparative study of images on ceramic oil lamps from three military camps, Nijmegen Kops Plateau, Velsen 1 and Haltern (Germany), located in...Show moreLVMEN IN TENEBRAE (Light in the darkness) presents a comparative study of images on ceramic oil lamps from three military camps, Nijmegen Kops Plateau, Velsen 1 and Haltern (Germany), located in the Lower Rhine Area, on the frontier of the Roman Empire. This thesis starts with descriptions of the manufacture, distribution and main uses of picture lamps for the specific period of 20 BC until AD 70, when Nijmegen Kops Plateau functioned as a Roman military settlement. The discussion proceeds with the main topic, picture lamp motifs, and introduces the classification system of Hella Eckardt, the base method used for the cross-site comparison of motifs in this thesis. The central question of this research is what motifs on picture lamps can tell us about aspects of Roman military life in the northern Rhine region. From their analysis it has been found that soldiers in those days believed in a supernatural world, evidenced by the depiction of several deities and cupids. Also myths and legends illustrated the picture lamps’ discs. Furthermore, aspects of daily life were visible, as were animals and plants. A special subject was the gladiator, as well as the chariot race, showing strength and cunning, important characteristics for a soldier. Last but not least, also many erotic scenes were spotted on the lamps from some Roman sites. In spite of the presence of a central Roman authority, no uniform standard image file can be discerned. A visible heterogeneity exists, determined by consumer’s choice or by the selection of pottery or traders, a simple matter of supply and demand. The picture lamps from Nijmegen Kops Plateau, Velsen 1 and Haltern are by no means the same. Each site has its own collection of motifs without a specific motif dominating. Only Velsen 1 can be seen as an exception for its great number of erotic scenes. Finally, some equivalents are highlighted of Roman picture lamp motifs in other artistic media across the Empire. It has been demonstrated that comparing the three sites at the northern border of the Lower Rhine area with other sites in the Roman Empire does not provide any distinctive patterns. No site is characterized by specific conspicuities. Also, no site has the same range of subjects. With some caution it can be noted that a number of fragments from the sites of Nijmegen Kops Plateau, Velsen 1 and Haltern yielded striking images, worn in a certain way and showing a nearly complete picture. Perhaps these shards can be considered as amulets, a function they received when the owner of the formerly complete lamp found the image too valuable to discard. From a number of fragments found at the Port of Velsen 1 it can be determined that the image formed part of the same erotic scene. Perhaps this may signify a ritual deposition, wherein the offeror begs for fertility.Show less
This thesis explores the deposition of swords in European rivers and wetlands during the Carolingian period. Finds of a similar nature have been thoroughly studied in Scandinavia and a scholarly...Show moreThis thesis explores the deposition of swords in European rivers and wetlands during the Carolingian period. Finds of a similar nature have been thoroughly studied in Scandinavia and a scholarly discussion has been underway in Britain. Continental water-finds have been traditionally interpreted as casual losses and intentional deposition has been regarded as unlikely, given the Christian nature of the Frankish Empire. This thesis questions the traditional interpretation of continental water-finds and suggests an alternative explanation. Hundred twenty-nine swords are mapped geographically, spanning from the river Loire to the river Oder, to identify distribution patters that support the hypothesis of ritual deposition. The fact that the Carolingian swords accumulate in specific locations in the natural landscape, such as the confluences of major rivers or river mouths, seem to indicate a liminal character of these deposits. Rivers and wetlands formed borders and boundaries in a physical, as well as in a mental world of medieval people, and as such they were imbued with special meaning. It is suggested here that the swords deposited at these liminal locations might have been connected to journeys, or to actions related to traversing or engaging with the river. Furthermore, this thesis seeks to bridge a gap between the dichotomy of ‘pagan’ ritual practice and Christian ideology and suggests that these depositions were not performed in defiance of the Church, but were incorporated into the new belief system and appropriated to suite contemporaneous ideas.Show less
The most important concept in warfare in early-modern Europe and the construction of fortifications is the Military Revolution of 1560-1660. This revolution is among others characterised by a...Show moreThe most important concept in warfare in early-modern Europe and the construction of fortifications is the Military Revolution of 1560-1660. This revolution is among others characterised by a change in military tactics, strategy and size of early-modern armies and the qualitative and quantitative improvements on the field of weaponry, together with the development of the trace Italienne (bastioned fortification system). This eventually led to a great change of fortification systems and the important change from battles between large standing armies to sieges. The constant evaluation and innovation on the field of military fortifications eventually led to the formation of multiple fortification systems as the Italian Fortification Systems, Old Dutch Fortification System, Improved Dutch Fortification System, French Fortification System and New Dutch Fortification System. When the theory is to be followed, the constructed field sconces would have been constructed according to the most modern fortification system of their time, and show signs of improvement and innovation during the years the fortifications would have been in use. The former is stressed and researched by studying the Bordeelschans (1604), the Zwartendijksterschans (1593-1672) and schans Altena (1597, 1605 and 1627). Eventually there is tried to research to what extent the effects of the Military Revolution, with the various constructive innovations on the field of field sconces and fortification systems, are noticeable in historical and archaeological datasets and implemented in the construction of (field) sconces in the Dutch Republic during the period of 1583-1695. This thesis also adress the importance and the need of an interdisciplinary approachShow less
