Fletio, Roman castellum in De Meern, Netherlands
Fletio is a Roman castellum near De Meern in Utrecht that housed around 480 auxiliary soldiers guarding the frontier. The remains reveal the typical layout of a military camp with defensive ditches, gateways, and barrack buildings, now preserved and displayed at the Castellum Hoge Woerd cultural center.
The fort was established in the 1st century as part of Rome's Rhine defense system. It was abandoned around 270 CE, likely due to pressure from Germanic tribes or internal shifts in empire strategy.
The name Fletio likely comes from Latin and reflects its purpose as a fortified post. Visitors can sense how soldiers lived their daily lives here and understand the fort's role in protecting the Roman Rhine frontier.
The fort is accessible through the Castellum Hoge Woerd center, which provides guided tours and information panels about the excavation. Plan to explore both the outdoor archaeological site and the indoor museum exhibits for a complete understanding of the military post.
Excavations uncovered merchant ships and dock structures, revealing that the fort served as a trading hub alongside its military role. This dual purpose made Fletio an important crossroads for both defense and commerce along the Rhine.
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