Roman Treasures of the Waal

Dive into life along the river during Roman times in the new exhibition 'Roman Treasures of the Waal'. Over 100 objects depict the diverse relationship the Romans had with the Waal. Never before have so many findings from the Waal river basin been displayed together. A large part of the objects comes from the collection of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (RMO). 'Roman Treasures of the Waal' will be on display from February 1 to October 26, 2025.

The Waal is indispensable for the Romans. It is an important trade route, line of defence, source of food, and place of worship. The capricious god of the Waal, Rhenus bicornis, is frequently worshipped here, especially by Roman soldiers. The influence of the Romans dramatically changes life along the river, with Nijmegen as a vibrant center of trade and culture. Along the Waal, impressive structures such as villas, bathhouses, temples, public buildings, and even an amphitheater are being built.

However, the river is also unpredictable - just like the mighty god Rhenus bicornis who watches over it. The Roman river god Rhenus is often depicted with flowing hair and a beard. His two horns represent the split of the Rhine and Waal. Therefore, the Romans call the Rhine Rhenus bicornis, the two-horned Rhine. From the name Rhenus the Dutch derived the name Rhine. 

Unique Waal Finds 

This unpredictable, rebellious, and dynamic river meanders, grows larger, and floods. Whatever comes in its path, it takes with it. For centuries, it has hidden treasures under a thick layer of silt. Fortunately, it occasionally reveals some hidden objects. In the exhibition, visitors can admire these treasures from the Waal, presented in five themes: living, food, transport, border control, and spirituality. For each theme, a unique centerpiece is highlighted, respectively: a silver bowl, a signet ring, a figurine of Mercury, a sword with scabbard, and a rider's helmet with face guard.

The story behind these objects is also told: how was the object used, who was the owner? In atmospheric images, these questions come to life to collectively form a Roman Waal story. Visitors are invited to marvel at the earlier lives of people along the Waal. During the duration of the exhibition, Museum De Bastei organizes various lectures, workshops, vacation programs, and children’s activities related to life along the Waal in Roman times.

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Onder Ons

The temporary exhibition 'Roman Waal Treasures' is part of the project 'Under Us' by the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (RMO). With 'Onder Ons', the RMO will take the national archaeological collection on a tour across the Netherlands in the coming years, thanks to support from the VriendenLoterij. 

Acknowledgements 

The exhibition 'Roman Waal Treasures' has also been made possible by support from the Constantijn van Nispen Fonds, the Cultuurfonds, Gravin van Bylandt Stichting, Zabawas, and the Mondriaan Fonds.