Atuatuca Tungrorum

Atuatuca Tungrorum, known today as Tongeren, is a fascinating Roman city located in the province of Germania Inferior, which is now modern-day Belgium. This ancient city holds a treasure trove of history, dating back to Julius Caesar's conquest of the region in 57 BC. Nestled in the fertile lands of Haspengouw, Atuatuca Tungrorum stands as a testament to the rich Gallo-Roman heritage that once flourished here. As you stroll through the city, you are stepping back in time, walking the same paths that Roman soldiers, traders, and citizens once did.

The Early Days of Atuatuca

In the early days, Atuatuca was a fortified settlement of the Eburones, a local tribe. It was here that Julius Caesar established a Roman camp, marking the beginning of Roman influence in the region. In 54 BC, the Eburones, led by their kings Ambiorix and Catuvolcus, revolted against the Romans. They cunningly lured the Roman 14th Legion and a cavalry unit into an ambush, resulting in a devastating defeat for the Romans. In retaliation, Caesar dispatched nine legions to crush the rebellion, leading to the eventual downfall of the Eburones. Ambiorix fled across the Rhine, and the remnants of the tribe were pushed northward.

The Rise of Atuatuca Tungrorum

Under Emperor Augustus, the province of Gallia Belgica was divided into districts, and Atuatuca Tungrorum became the capital of the Civitas Tungrorum. The Tungri, who settled in the area after the Eburones, may have been descendants of the Eburones or a Germanic tribe. Around the turn of the millennium, a Roman military camp was established in Atuatuca Tungrorum, strategically located along the vital Roman road connecting Cologne (Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium) to Boulogne-sur-Mer (Gesoriacum). This camp attracted traders and craftsmen, leading to the formation of a civilian settlement, or canabae, southwest of the military site.

Development and Prosperity

The civilian settlement quickly grew into a bustling Gallo-Roman town. The fertile lands and strategic location contributed to its prosperity. The town developed a grid-like street plan with wooden houses, later replaced by stone buildings as the settlement expanded. An administrative center and a garrison were established, making Atuatuca Tungrorum a crucial supply hub for Roman troops stationed along the Rhine.

The Batavian Revolt and Reconstruction

In 70 AD, Atuatuca Tungrorum suffered significant damage during the Batavian Revolt. The town was plundered and set ablaze, but it was soon rebuilt with improved infrastructure. Paved streets, public buildings, and an aqueduct bringing water from the Kertsborn spring in Widooie were constructed. The town's architecture evolved, with more stone structures and a grand temple complex on one of the city's highest points. This temple, measuring 35 by 25 meters, featured a central cella, a portico, and a colonnaded courtyard.

The Golden Age: Municipium Tungrorum

In the 2nd century, Atuatuca Tungrorum, now known as Municipium Tungrorum, reached its zenith. The city was encircled by a 4.5-kilometer-long Roman wall, the largest fortification it would ever have. A basilica for trade and legal matters and a granary were built. Despite its relatively small population of around 5,000, Tungrorum was the largest city in what is now Belgium, surpassing Cologne in size. The surrounding countryside was dotted with large agricultural estates, or villae rusticae, contributing to the city's wealth.

Decline and the End of Roman Rule

The 3rd century marked the beginning of a period of turmoil. Germanic tribes frequently raided the region, leading to the destruction of many agricultural estates. However, under Emperor Diocletian, stability was temporarily restored, and Tongeren became part of a new defensive line against the Germanic tribes. The city housed a contingent of soldiers and continued to play a vital role in the region's defense.

In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great recognized Christianity through the Edict of Milan, allowing the religion to spread freely. Tongeren became the seat of the oldest bishopric in the Low Countries. However, by the mid-4th century, new Germanic invasions prompted the Romans to shift their focus to the more defensible city of Maastricht. Tungrorum's prosperity waned, and its population dwindled. The city walls were reduced to enclose only the higher part of the town. Despite these challenges, the city received a visit from Emperor Julian the Apostate during this period.

By the end of the 4th century, the Roman presence in the region was drawing to a close. In December 406, massive Germanic invasions across the frozen Rhine overwhelmed the northern Roman Empire. The Roman rule in Atuatuca Tungrorum ended, and the Germanic Franks emerged as the new ruling elite.

Today, visitors to Tongeren can explore the remnants of this once-thriving Roman city. The Gallo-Roman Museum offers a glimpse into the city's rich history, with artifacts and exhibits that bring the past to life. Walking through Tongeren, you can still see sections of the ancient Roman walls and the impressive Roman Tower on the Vrijthof. Atuatuca Tungrorum may have faded into history, but its legacy continues to captivate and inspire those who visit.