This thesis is based on the hypothesis that women were present in Roman forts during the time that the Dutch limes was functioning as a border of the Roman Empire. Many castella were built along...Show moreThis thesis is based on the hypothesis that women were present in Roman forts during the time that the Dutch limes was functioning as a border of the Roman Empire. Many castella were built along the limes to help regulate and keep watch over the transport via the Rhine. One of these castella was Albaniana, located at present time Alphen aan den Rijn. This castellum has been well documented through excavations and archaeological material. However, the view of Roman forts and its inhabitants has been aged and is no longer correct. In the past, Roman forts have been thought of as exclusively male, with soldiers and officers of the Roman army occupying them. Nevertheless, in several cases it has been proven through the archaeological record that women were in fact present within these military communities, and not just as visitors. The extent of their presence can be seen within multiple finds categories. To determine whether or not it is possible to state that women were in fact present at castellum Albaniana, the metal finds found by metal detector in the soil that was dug up from the Rhine riverbed were analysed and compared with earlier research completed in the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (Allison 2006; Furger 1990). First the metal finds from the landfill were analysed by category, separating personal objects from domestic objects. Features such as extensive decoration or female marks were observed closely, to see whether an object could be associated to female dress or adornment. When possible, finds were sorted into tables to compare sizes. Smaller sizes of rings and brooches for example might point to female possession as well. Next, the amount of material associated with female possession in total was analysed and through this information the research questions were answered, showing that women and perhaps even children were present in the fort of Alphen aan den Rijn.Show less
