Roman Villa

Roman Villa
In the first century AD, the first Roman settlement in Hoogeloon consisted of a few farmhouses made of wood and clay. At that time, one of the residents must have chosen a career in the Roman army. After completing his service, the wealthy veteran returned to his homeland. As proof of his honourable discharge, he received the customary bronze military certificate, fragments of which were recovered during an archaeological excavation in 2008. This granted him Roman citizenship at the time, which automatically extended to his descendants. With his wealth, he was able to adopt a Roman lifestyle. He built a stone villa, complete with underfloor heating and bathing facilities. He was buried in a large burial mound, which later became known as Kabouterberg. In addition, a monumental funerary tower was erected following his successful military career. The archaeological finds from this Roman past are unique to th de Kempen region.