Transportation over water was a very important means of transport in Roman times. Large and small ships plied the rivers and gullies, transporting products from far and near. Building materials, livestock, grain, but also wine, oil and utensils.

The dock bustles with activity. A small freighter is being repaired on the shore nearby. Woodchips fly as the wood is hewn into shape with original tools, smoke rises from the fires used to heat the oak planks to bend them to shape. Making wooden ships with fire, something new to be discovered all the time.

A few reconstructed Roman and Batavian ships are moored at the pier. These ships were built at the Millingen shipyard, where you can visit to look at the process of construction. Occasionally a large Roman patrol vessel will come along, bring mail and supplies to the soldiers at the fortlet.

The shown reconstruction of one of the Mainz ships can be seen at the Museum voor Antieke Scheepvaart. Visit the Millingen shipyard at Liburna.