First person from “Year 0” unearthed in an extraordinary grave and stumble upon a mysterious word

A team of Dutch archaeologists has uncovered a Roman tomb dating back to the Year 0 in the Dutch city of Heerlen. Alongside the remains, they found various artifacts, including bowls, plates, and even a bronze strigil—a tool used by Romans for skin scraping.

According to estimates by researchers from the archaeological research firm ADC ArcheoProjecten, the tomb was opened between 0 BCE and 20 BCE, making it the oldest burial site in the region.

Among the many items discovered, an archaeologist found a bowl engraved with the word “Flac,” leading experts to nickname the Roman man “Flaccus.”

According to historians who have examined the findings, Flaccus may have served as a soldier in the Roman army stationed in the Heerlen area, which was known at the time as Coriovallum.

This military settlement was located at the crossroads of the Belgica Way and the Trajan Way, two major transportation routes linking present-day Germany and France.

Jordy Clemens, a member of Heerven’s Council for Culture and Heritage, has publicly celebrated the discovery, stating, “We have never before found a Roman tomb from this period with a name.

“It’s a unique discovery that not only teaches us more about our past but also highlights the distinctive role of Roman Heerlen in Dutch history,” Clemens concluded.

The Roman city of Coriovallum

Originally established as a Roman military base, the city of Coriovallum transformed into a civilian settlement by the mid-1st century CE. Today, it stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Netherlands.

The brick-and-stone public baths of Coriovallum, constructed between 50 CE and 70 CE, are the largest Roman ruins in the entire country. They have been designated as a national heritage site.

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