A significant archaeological find has recently surfaced near the Waal river in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. While the city continues to develop, this discovery forces historians and archaeologists to rethink the scope of the ancient Roman city of Ulpia Noviomagus. A previously unknown monumental structure, thought to have served a public or administrative role, has been unearthed—its presence along the river reshapes the understanding of the city’s layout and development.
A Massive Roman Building Near the Waal
The discovery was made in the Waalkwartier West area of Nijmegen, where a new residential complex is under construction. Archaeologists working for the city unearthed a monumental Roman building, measuring at least 30 by 35 meters. The structure, which dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, has some intriguing features, including double walls and what seems to be a large courtyard surrounded by columns. Fragments of limestone columns further suggest that this was a grand, well-planned space, possibly intended for public use, such as a market building or an administrative center.
This site, situated just a few meters from the river, was surprising for its size and location. No previous discoveries in this area had indicated that such an expansive structure could exist so close to the Waal, and it challenges the previously established boundaries of the Roman city of Ulpia Noviomagus. Given the site’s location and monumental nature, experts believe it could have been a key part of the city’s strategic and economic functions.
Expanding the Boundaries of Ulpia Noviomagus
Until now, the northern and eastern borders of Ulpia Noviomagus, the first Roman city in the Netherlands, had been considered relatively well-defined. But the findings of this excavation suggest that the city’s limits extended far beyond what was previously thought. The newly uncovered building’s proximity to the river indicates that the urban area of the city could have stretched toward the Waal, an insight that challenges older assumptions about the city’s boundaries.
“This discovery shows that the city was more expansive than we had imagined,” said an archaeologist involved in the dig. It’s not just the scale of the building that’s important, but also the newfound understanding of the city’s layout. The presence of such a structure close to the river could suggest that the Romans saw the riverfront as a key strategic point for both trade and governance.
An Archaeological Dilemma: Development versus Preservation
The discovery of this Roman building comes amidst a major development project in Nijmegen. The Waalkwartier West project, which aims to add hundreds of new homes, a parking garage, and other infrastructure, has led to the excavation of several historical layers in the area. Archaeologists have been working under a tight timeline to document the site before construction resumes.
Despite the city’s efforts to preserve parts of the archaeological site, some areas, particularly those under the planned residential tower, cannot be saved. The presence of this ancient structure in the path of modern construction highlights the tension between urban development and archaeological preservation.
In particular, the area where the building was discovered is set to become the location for a residential tower, which means the Roman remains underneath it cannot be preserved on-site. Archaeologists have focused on recording as much information as possible before the construction resumes, ensuring that the findings will be documented and studied, even if some of the physical remains will be lost. This dilemma reflects a broader issue in many urban areas where rapid growth often collides with the need to protect the past.
