Research demonstrates traces of Roman land-division near the Roman city of Tongres (Belgium)
06/24/09By Karsten Wentink
In Cadastres, Misconceptions and Northern Gaul archaeologist Rick Bonnie studies the Roman cadastre, a particular form of land allotment that was implemented by the Romans in regions throughout their Empire, from Syria to Gaul. After discussing and examining the history of research and historical and archaeological sources on Roman cadastres, he focuses on the Belgian Hesbaye region. Bonnie demonstrates that traces of a Roman cadastre may still be visible in the landscape around Tongres. The author argues that a cadastre was implemented by the Romans around the provincial! Roman city of Tongres during the Middle-Roman period (70-270 AD). In contrast to general beliefs, he demonstrates that it is possible, using aerial photographs, maps and computer models, to reconstruct a landscape outside the Mediterranean region that was overlain by a Roman cadastre. Bonnie shows that it is necessary to combine the archaeological evidence with historical-geographical data to reveal features that have disappeared in more recent times.
Rick Bonnie studied Classical Archaeology at Leiden University (MA cum laude 2008). His excellent thesis, resulting in this book, was awarded the W.A. van Es-prize by the Dutch Institute for Cultural Heritage and was nominated for the Leiden University thesis prize 2007-2008. Cadastres, Misconceptions and Northern Gaul is published by Sidestone Press.
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