Not Solely a Military Frontier, and Not Only a Line: the Lower Germanic Limes as Imperial Borderlands

A new perspective on the UNESCO-listed Lower Germanic Limes challenges its traditional portrayal as merely a military frontier, advocating instead for an 'Imperial Borderlands' framework that emphasizes dynamic social, economic, and cultural exchanges. This study reveals how national research traditions, political agendas, and material evidence in the Dutch, German, and British contexts have perpetuated a one-dimensional view of the Limes. By applying Critical Heritage Studies and Border Studies, researchers demonstrate that the Limes functioned as a multifaceted zone of interaction, transcending its military role. This reimagining offers a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of Roman imperial borders, moving beyond static narratives to highlight their complexity and fluidity.

Stevens, S., Plets, G., Vos, W. K., & van Houtum, H. (2026). Not Solely a Military Frontier, and Not Only a Line: the Lower Germanic Limes as Imperial Borderlands . Theoretical Roman Archaeology Journal, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.16995/traj.24483