Itinerarium provinciarum Antonini Augusti: A Historical Guide
Melick is one of the few Dutch places listed in the Itinerarium provinciarum Antonini Augusti. Dating from the 3rd century AD and updated until the end of the 4th century, this Roman travel guide contains 17 itineraries that include various places from the Roman Empire. One of these places is Mederiacum, where Melick is located today. The guide also lists travel distances between various locations.
Mederiacum: A Roman Staging Place or Settlement.
Mederiacum was located along the Roman road from Xanten to Heerlen-Aachen, near a crossing of the Roer River. It was a strategic place where the Romans liked to settle. Mederiacum is probably considered a Statio (a stopping place along a Roman road) or possibly even a Vicus (a small settlement).
Villa de Lorberg: A Trace of Roman Heritage
During World War II, while digging trenches on De Lorberg, foundation remains of a Roman building were discovered. These remains are interpreted as a Roman villa complex, now known as Villa de Lorberg. It is possibly a Villa Rustica, a term the Romans used to designate a villa in the countryside, as opposed to a villa in the city, which was referred to as Villa Urbana.
Villa Rustica: A Gentleman's Farmhouse of the Past
A Villa Rustica can be thought of as a gentleman's farmhouse and consisted of several buildings. The main building served as the home of the landowner and his family. This building was usually constructed of stone, and possibly this also applied to Villa Rustica De Lorberg, since a large basalt stone was found in the soil, along with pottery, coins and other objects from the Roman period. In addition, grave fields have been discovered nearby, indicating a rich history of the region.
Download the app