Central places in the confluence area of the rivers Dieze, Dommel and Aa in the Roman period and the Middle Ages. A long-term perspective

Abstract

The area where the three main rivers of the north-eastern Meuse-Demer-Scheldt region converge is remarkable. Over time, three central places have been located there: Halder in the Roman period, Vught in the Early and High Middle Ages, and ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Late Middle Ages. Various authors have already pointed to the importance of this area. Several authors have also named Vught as the predecessor of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. However, no-one has yet posed the crucial question why three central places developed consecutively and so close to each other. Various trading and artisan activities developed diachronically in the area and each had its own social framework, so we can speak of trade and crafts cultures. In each of the three places there is evidence of a strong relationship with the countryside.