Masonry structures
Monumental stone architecture in the legionary fortress at Nijmegen
On the Hunerberg push moraine (ridge) in Nijmegen, a new fortress was built for the Tenth Legion (Legio X Gemina) in 71 AD. Originally built entirely of timber, the fortress was rebuilt in masonry on the same site at the end of the 1st century. Shortly thereafter, at the beginning of the 2nd century, the legion was relocated to a fortress on the Danube. The Hunerberg fortress then served temporarily as a shelter for other units, but was soon decommissioned.
Being built of brick and stone, due to their size and ornamentation the main buildings had a much more imposing appearance than was possible with timber-built buildings. Situated at the heart of the fortress, the headquarters (principia) literally took centre stage. Outside the eastern gate was another building of monumental size.
Reconstruction of the fortress of the Tenth Legion in Nijmegen looking from the north east, around 100 AD. Digital illustration by Mikko Kriek.
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