In June 2001, during dredging work here in the Hansummerweerd, two pillar drums literally came to the surface. The columns appeared at a depth of 6 metres during river widening, in a former Meuse bed. The columns are made of Nivelstein sandstone, a type of stone from southern Limburg. They have chisel marks with a herringbone pattern and were probably covered with painted plaster.
Some Roman roof tiles were also found, which allowed archaeologists to date the columns. The discovery of the pillar drums strongly suggests that a Roman temple stood here in the 2nd and/or 3rd century AD. This was lost when the Meuse changed its course. The building was located at the former mouths of the Neerbeek and the Swalm in the Meuse.
Romans attributed supernatural powers to intersections of waterways and placed their sanctuaries there. It is likely that the building was located on a fairly high spot before it was swallowed by the river water. Living with the vagaries of the Maas is of all times.
NOTE: The location can be found in the Hansummerweerd along the sword field.
TIP: This location is part of Ode-aan-de-Maas
Also find the other Archeo Route Limburg locations