Traiectum, Roman military fort in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Traiectum was a Roman military fort in present-day Utrecht measuring roughly 125 by 150 meters, equipped with barracks, a command building, and defensive walls. The installation housed about 500 soldiers and served as a crucial stronghold along the empire's frontier line.
Construction of Traiectum began in 47 AD under Emperor Claudius as part of the Lower German Limes, with the Rhine becoming the empire's boundary line. This fort played a key role in protecting this critical frontier for several centuries.
The name Traiectum comes from Latin and refers to a river crossing, shaping medieval Utrecht's growth and remaining visible today in Dutch place names ending in 'trecht'.
The archaeological remains of the fort lie beneath Utrecht's Domplein square, where visitors can explore the Roman foundations through the DOMunder exhibition. The site is easy to reach and combines well with a walk through the historic city center.
A collection of about 50 Roman gold coins was discovered within the fort, buried by a centurion during the Batavian revolt in 69 AD. This find provides a rare glimpse into the dramatic events that shook the frontier region at that time.
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