Nijmegen, from Oppidum Batavorum to Ulpia Noviomagus, civitas of the Batavi: two successive civitas-capitals

Abstract

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands. The modern name refers to its Roman origin. The history of Nijmegen during the first centuries of the Christian era mirrors events in the north-west of the Roman Empire. Around 19 BC, at the start of the third phase of conquest to the north with much military activity, the Oppidum Batavorum was founded in the centre of modern Nijmegen. Further growth of the town was cut short by increasing pressure on the local inhabitants, culminating in the Batavian Revolt of 69-70 AD, during which the Oppidum Batavorum was destroyed. A period of integration followed, resulting in the formation of the province of Germania inferior. During this period, the Batavian capital was moved westwards, to the low-lying western part of Nijmegen, where a new vicus was founded. In about 100 AD this settlement was granted municipal status and a new name (Ulpia Noviomagus), and grew into a town after the typical Roman model. After several generations of progress and prosperity, this settlement came to an abrupt end in the last quarter of the 2nd century.