Archaeologists excavate a site in Heerlen. (Image: Municipality of Heerlen )
in the Netherlands have made a stunning discovery after stumbling on a grave during a dig in the southwest of the country.
Researchers from ADC ArcheoProjecten found the remains of a soldier believed to be from the “year 0” during an excavation on the town square in Heerlen.
The remains of the man were found alongside a number of bowls, plates and a bronze skin scraper.
The word “Flac” was carved into one of the bowls, leading the scientists to name the man as Flaccus.
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A number of bowls and plates were also discovered (Image: Municipality of Heerlen)
The scientists believe the grave dates from 0 to 20 AD, meaning Flaccus could be over 2,000 years old.
Flaccus probably served as a soldier with the army billeted in Heerlen, known at the time as Coriovallum.
The military settlement was strategically located at the junction of two major transport arteries- the Via Belgica and Traiana. The roads connected what is present-day Germany with France.
Flaccus’ burial predates other known graves in Heerlen and represents the oldest named individual in the city’s history.
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The archaeological find was hailed by local town officials, who plan to display the artefacts at the new Roman Museum.
Jordy Clemens, a council member for culture and heritage, said: “Today, evidence was found of Roman habitation in the time of Emperor Augustus.
“A unique discovery that not only teaches us more about our past, but also shows how unique the story of Roman Heerlen is for the Netherlands.”
He added: “Never before have we found a Roman grave from this period with a name.”
Though it started as a military base, Coriovallum evolved into a flourishing civilian town by the mid-1st century CE.
Its public baths, built around 50-70 CE, remain the largest visible Roman ruins in the Netherlands.
The bathhouse was built of brick and stone and is a protected national heritage site.