From September 19 to the end of October, an excavation of a special Roman site located in the Meuse will take place in Cuijk. The underwater research can be followed via a livestream. The excavation is being carried out by a team of underwater archaeologists and material specialists.
Roman Site
The site is a zone of approximately 7 by 40 meters containing wooden posts that were likely part of a Roman quay or pier. These posts date back to the fourth century. Between the posts, there is a layer with Roman finds including pottery, metal, glass, natural stone, leather, and other organic materials. The site is part of an archaeological national monument that also includes the remains of the Roman bridge. The latter remains will not be excavated. The quay and bridge were located in close proximity to the late Roman fort (castellum) on the banks of the Meuse.
Little is known in the Netherlands about military sites with harbor-like structures from this period. The special thing is that the site in Cuijk lies directly below the waterline. The organic remains have thus been well preserved, and research into them can yield much new knowledge and must be carried out carefully.
Excavation
In principle, the starting point for archaeological national monuments is that they remain preserved in the ground (preservation in situ). It has been established that sustainable preservation in situ is no longer possible for the Roman quay in the Meuse. In 2006, this part of the national monument was physically covered to prevent erosion, but this covering is no longer sufficient. In recent years, inspections have found that the site is subject to degradation. This degradation is caused by the screws of moored ships and by the current of the Meuse. To secure the archaeological information from the site before it is completely washed away, it has therefore been decided to carry out an underwater excavation (preservation ex situ). For the excavation, the Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE) has established a framework with the principles for the research.
Archaeological Collaboration
For the diving research in Cuijk, a team of experienced underwater archaeologists and material specialists has been assembled. The execution is being carried out by Vestigia, Baars-CIPRO, and MSDS Marine in collaboration with Mergor in Mosam. Through drilling and geophysical research, the exact extent of the site will first be mapped out, and soil samples will be taken for specialist research. Subsequently, the divers will carefully remove the covering layers. After this, the underwater archaeologists will excavate the find layer in sections, using a type of underwater vacuum cleaner. All sucked-up material will be sieved on deck. The wooden posts will be measured, lifted, and then further examined on deck. The project also allows room for volunteers. The sport divers from Mergor in Mosam, who have monitored the site in recent years, are participating.
Approach to Maritime Archaeology
The funding for the archaeological research of the Roman site is a collaboration between the municipality of Land van Cuijk and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). This research fits into the policy of the Minister of OCW as outlined in the letter to the parliament dated June 3, 2025, regarding the approach to maritime archaeology.
Follow the Research Live
From September 22, it will be possible to follow the underwater excavation via a livestream. There will also be vlogs from the involved researchers sharing their findings. The underwater excavation in Cuijk promises to be a special project. Not only are the archaeological expectations high, but the execution of this project also gives a significant boost to underwater archaeology and archaeology in general.
