willem blaeu s 1652 map of utrecht
although there evidence of earlier inhabitation in region of utrecht, dating stone age (app. 2200 bce) , settling in bronze age (app. 1800–800 bce), founding date of city related construction of roman fortification (castellum), built in around 50 ce. series of such fortresses built after roman emperor claudius decided empire should not expand north. consolidate border limes germanicus defense line constructed along main branch of river rhine, @ time flowed through more northern bed compared today (what kromme rijn). these fortresses designed house cohort of 500 roman soldiers. near fort settlements grow housing artisans, traders , soldiers wives , children.
in roman times, name of utrecht fortress traiectum, denoting location @ possible rhine crossing. traiectum became dutch trecht; u old dutch uut (downriver) added distinguish u-trecht maas-tricht. in 11th-century official documents latinized ultra traiectum. around year 200, wooden walls of fortification replaced sturdier tuff stone walls, remnants of still found below buildings around dom square.
from middle of 3rd century germanic tribes regularly invaded roman territories. around 275 romans no longer maintain northern border , utrecht abandoned. little known next period 270–650. utrecht first spoken of again several centuries after romans left. under influence of growing realms of franks, during dagobert s reign in 7th century, church built within walls of roman fortress. in ongoing border conflicts frisians first church destroyed.
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