Matilo, Roman fortification in Leiden, Netherlands
Matilo is a Roman military fort located in Leiden at the junction of the Oude Rijn river and an ancient canal system. The site presents itself as a park with visible foundation outlines and interpretive signage explaining the fort's original layout and purpose.
This military post was established around 70 AD following a major regional uprising against Roman rule. It functioned for roughly two centuries before being abandoned as Rome withdrew from the region.
The name derives from a Roman military unit that once garrisoned this location, and visitors can see through interpretive panels how soldiers lived and worked daily. This place represents how Rome extended its military presence into territories beyond the Mediterranean world.
The site is freely accessible at any time with no entrance requirements, and on-site signage explains the history in detail. The remains are situated within a public park where paths allow visitors to walk around the former fortified areas.
Excavations uncovered a bronze cavalry face mask from the first century, now displayed in a major museum collection. This artifact reveals that even remote frontier outposts like this one were equipped with well-trained cavalry units.
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