About 2000 years ago the Romans conquered the Netherlands. The river Rhine formed the northern border of the Roman Empire. In 15 AD, however, the Romans made an attempt to further expand their Empire and built a fort and harbour near the present-day town of Velsen.

Hundreds of Roman soldiers were stationed here, but soon the local Frisian population started a rebellion. Historical sources are scarce, but archaeological evidence show the remains of fierce battle taking place. In the end, the Romans had to retreat. Less than 10 years later they attempted to re-take Velsen with a large military campaign, but again, they could not hold the fort. The river Rhine would remain to be the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.

This book tells the story of the Romans in Velsen. What did they do here? What did they built and what remains in the ground today? How did the Romans live in the fort and the Frisians in their farms? Why was the Rhine to be the border of the Empire and what happened to the Frisians after the Romans left? 50 years after the first excavations this richly illustrated book presents a full overview of the Roman history of Velsen.