Roman landmarks connected: “We’re building a shared Roman narrative”

Between 2025 and 2027, the new Interreg project VIA VIA will bring the Roman history of the EUREGIO Meuse-Rhine region to life. “This is the first time there’s been international collaboration on a shared cross-border narrative for this region,” says Saskia Stevens, project leader of Utrecht University’s Constructing the Limes who is involved as a knowledge partner. “We’re working with partners from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, because Roman history doesn’t stop at modern borders.”

A shared story

Visitors to the Meuse-Rhine region can explore ancient landmarks across nine locations and learn more about the Roman past. “The goal is to connect various Roman ‘hotspots’ through a single cohesive narrative,” Stevens explains.

“The VIA VIA project is primarily focused on tourism, with many municipalities, heritage sites, and museums involved.” For instance, Maastricht will host two interactive exhibitions, Aachen will introduce a dedicated city walk, and the Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren will feature an immersive room experience.

Historically and archaeologically accurate

“At Utrecht University, we’re contributing to the storyline,” Stevens adds. “Through Constructing the Limes, we ensure the narrative is historically and archaeologically accurate. Until recently, different countries often told their own versions of Roman history. What makes this project unique is its truly cross-border approach, where we work together to craft a shared story.”

“This project also gives us the opportunity to study the region in the broader context of the Limes and its borderlands,” Stevens notes. “Typically, the Roman villa landscape of South Limburg is seen as separate from the Limes, so this integrated approach marks new ground.”