12-15-2005, 08:18 AM
Hi Jona,
I wouldn't trust too heavily on what you read in that publication (De Taalgrens) about that second defense line. First of all Aardenburg (like its predecessor Maldegem-Vake) was build to block invasions by sea (Saxons). Secondly, what Rogge thought to be a third century fort in Velzeke is confirmed by new excavations to be a mansio for the cursus publicus. For Mechelen it is pure speculation. I don't know of anything ever been found there of any importance for the Roman period. Tongeren was military important in the Augustean period but develloped into a civilian town (with a wall defense in the early second century, nothing military in the third century.
That more important road between Bavay-Tongeren-Cologne did have a well build out defensive system from the second half of the third century onwards. That is your second line of defense (behind the limes). Look at the forts in Liberchies and Braives. When I come home this evening I will look up a good reference for these road-forts.
Greets,
Hans
I wouldn't trust too heavily on what you read in that publication (De Taalgrens) about that second defense line. First of all Aardenburg (like its predecessor Maldegem-Vake) was build to block invasions by sea (Saxons). Secondly, what Rogge thought to be a third century fort in Velzeke is confirmed by new excavations to be a mansio for the cursus publicus. For Mechelen it is pure speculation. I don't know of anything ever been found there of any importance for the Roman period. Tongeren was military important in the Augustean period but develloped into a civilian town (with a wall defense in the early second century, nothing military in the third century.
That more important road between Bavay-Tongeren-Cologne did have a well build out defensive system from the second half of the third century onwards. That is your second line of defense (behind the limes). Look at the forts in Liberchies and Braives. When I come home this evening I will look up a good reference for these road-forts.
Greets,
Hans
Flandria me genuit, tenet nunc Roma
