From Source to Crane

The history of the Roman aqueduct of Berg en Dal goes back to the Batavian Revolt in AD 69. In that year, the Roman Empire was in chaos. Four generals proclaim themselves successor to the hated Emperor Nero, who has committed suicide.

Each general takes his armies to Rome to fight the competition. The northern border of the Empire is then hardly guarded anymore. Batavi leader Julius Civilis makes good use of this and unleashes a revolt. A year later, the uprising is already over.

The new emperor Vespasian sends some legions to the north and leaves the Tenth Legion behind in Nijmegen. They settled in 71 on the grounds of the Hunerberg in what is now Nijmegen-East.

The legionnaires hardly have to fight and are therefore used for all kinds of jobs, such as the construction of roads, houses and public buildings, especially in the new city of Ulpia Noviomagus in Nijmegen-West.
Due to the activity in the huge pottery factory on the Holdeurn in Berg en Dal, the legionnaires can rebuild their army camp in stone. Due to the large number of soldiers and the hundreds of horses, the wells are not sufficient.

The Romans are quite picky about hygiene, they prefer to keep fresh water from springs. That is why they start building a water pipe (aqueduct). The Berg en Dal aqueduct is part of a large family of aqueducts in the former Roman Empire.

Practical information

The route is signposted and provided with signs with links to the website www.aquaductgroesbeek.nl.
The route does not run'around\\\', so it is advisable to use public transport. From Nijmegen station take line 8 towards Berg en Dal, get off at the Bisschop Hamerlaan stop (terminus). Before the start of the route, walk 150 meters in the direction of the bus and cross the road at no. 125.

Reading tip! Roman heritage

Long ago, the Arnhem Nijmegen region was part of the Roman Empire. If you cycle or walk around here you will come across all kinds of traces from Roman times. Would you like to know more about the remains of the Roman Empire in this region? Then read this article \\\'Roman traces in the south of Gelderland\\\'

Looking for fascinating stories, beautiful routes or nice places for a break in Gelderland? Read more here.