Julius Caesar: Historic Battlefield From 55 BC Found In Dutch Territory

Archaeologists have discovered the location of a historic battle that was fought by Roman general Julius Caesar and his army, where they massacred two Germanic tribes in the year 55 BC in the Dutch territory. This new finding has some of the first evidence that proves Caesar and his army's presence in the Dutch territory.

Nico Roymans, an archaeologist from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam announced the discovery during a press conference at the Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam, according to news release.

The new discovery is remarkable for Dutch archaeology, as it is one of the earliest known battles on Dutch territory and now there is even archaeological evidence that proves so as well. Caesar wrote about the location of this battle in Book IV of his "De Bello Gallico" and until now the actually location was unknown.

Among the findings were large numbers of skeletal remains, spearheads, swords and a helmet from the battle. The presence of these archaeological materials is some of the first evidence, which indicates that Caesar and his army were present in the Dutch territory.

The two Germanic tribes, the Tencteri and the Usipetes had appealed to Caesar for asylum, which he rejected. Caesar had then ordered his army to wipe out the tribes by using some of the most extreme measures. Today, Caesar's actions would be referred to as a genocide.

Roymans claimed that the discovery was made in Kessel (North Brabant) in the Netherlands, where the findings have a historical significance to Dutch archaeology.

The findings of this study were published in the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research.

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