In early September, archaeological research was conducted at the Roman camp of Leuvenum (Ermelo) by the Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE) and Leiden University. The Roman camp is part of a large archaeological national monument, which also includes 33 burial mounds from the Neolithic and/or Bronze Age.
Research
The main goal of the research in Leuvenum is to gain insight into the dating and usage phases of the camp using new methods and techniques. Additionally, the impact of the establishment and maintenance of the forest on the integrity and preservation of the archaeological national monument is being investigated. This will lead to recommendations for management and conservation measures.
Collaboration
Archaeologists from the RCE and Leiden University dug a trench over the rampart and ditch of the camp to sample the soil profile for dating research, micromorphological and pollen analysis. Additionally, a Roman oven was investigated, and small pits were dug in the forest to map soil disturbance. The field research was conducted together with students from Leiden University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences Deventer and volunteers from the archaeology working groups of the historical associations Herderewich, Historical Association Ermeloo, and the Historical Association Arent thoe Boecop. Earlier this year, geophysical and drilling research was also conducted. During this, the location of the oven was discovered. Metal detection was also used to search for metal finds in the topsoil. Unfortunately, this yielded no Roman finds, but it did produce more recent material such as canned goods and ammunition from World War II.
I found it an educational experience; working on drawing profiles, physically digging, and sifting. But also listening to different specialists taking their samples and asking questions during coffee to understand exactly what they are doing. The past few weeks were a balance of learning new skills and improving old ones. - Isaiah Claeys, Leiden University
Temporary Roman Camps
Both in 1922 and in 1987, the camp was previously researched, where characteristic elements were found, such as a 3-meter wide v-shaped ditch (fossa fastigata), a rampart about 6 meters wide, and four entrance gates (tituli). The camp had a size of 310 by 370 meters. Parts of the ditch and rampart are still visible in the Ermelose heath south of the provincial road N302. So far, traces of hearth pits and a number of ovens are known within the camp, but no traces of buildings. This is typical for a Roman camp intended for temporary use, for example, for reconnaissance of enemy territory or a drill. Based on some fragments of pottery and 14C datings of charred grain, this camp has been dated to the second half of the second century. It is hoped that the new research can refine this dating.
New Discoveries
The impetus for the recent research is the renewed attention for temporary Roman camps. After the discovery in 1922 by J.H. Holwerda, the camp at Leuvenum was for a long time the only known temporary Roman camp in the Netherlands. Recent research conducted by Leiden University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences Deventer has yielded new temporary camps in Ermelo-Indianenbos and Hoog Buurlo. Notably, these camps were located north of the then border of the Roman Empire, the Lower Germanic Limes. An important question is how these camps relate to each other in terms of dating and function/use. A second question is what role these camps played within the overall military infrastructure and the relationships between Roman Netherlands and the area north of the Empire.
Next Steps
In the coming months, the results of the research will be elaborated, and the soil samples will be analyzed. The results are expected early next year. The research will ultimately result in a report in the series of the Cultural Heritage Agency.
