Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
a.a.t.ruiter@vu.nl
Hi everyone, I trained as an archaeologist at Leiden University, specialising in Provincial Roman Archaeology, and have worked in contract archaeology for several years. Through my work in the Netherlands, I was lucky enough to excavate some spectacular sites and finds, including a Hadrianic Roman road (I’m a great fan of the roads and the beard!) and a 1ˢᵗ‑century legionary fortress in Valkenburg on the Rhine’s former estuary. As you might know (or maybe not!), the unique properties of Dutch clay have allowed for remarkable preservation of wooden foundations of structures like watchtowers and gatehouses, as well as organic material such as leather shoes. I’m currently a PhD student with the Constructing the Limes project at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, aiming to understand the impact of the limes on mobility and exchange in the Lower Rhine area. My research focuses on the cross-border distribution of artefacts, particularly fibulae, to explain the nature and impact of Rome’s presence on communities living on both sides of the imperial border. I also have a keen interest in archaeometry with a focus on metals, ceramic building material, fortlets, and moving to Italy and starting an antique bookshop.