It is with pleasure that I look back on several special years devoted to research in Amsterdam. After I had completed a Master's thesis at the University of Groningen on early medieval gold finds from the Northern Netherlands, the Archaeological Centre of the Vrije Universiteit (ACVU) offered me an opportunity to conduct the PhD research presented in this volume. This was a chance not just to acquaint myself with a period unfamiliar to me and with an entirely new research area, but also to enjoy the stimulus of a new academic environment.

Of central importance to the articulation of the findings presented here is the fact that my doctoral study was part of the research project ‘The Batavians: ethnic identity in a frontier situation’, funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). I owe my rapid introduction to Roman archaeology above all to the monthly ‘Batavian sessions’ in which I discussed my draft chapters with other researchers from the project. These discussions were also instrumental in helping me develop my ideas about the use and significance of weaponry and horse gear in the context of the Batavian frontier.

In addition to Jan Slofstra, Joris Aarts and Henk Hiddink, I would like to acknowledge three people in particular. First and foremost, Nico Roymans, my supervisor, whose knowledge of the Batavian region and of the specific subject matter of my PhD dissertation made him ideal for this role. In addition to his input on matters of substance, I have very much appreciated both the encouragement he gave me to go my own way and his more intensive involvement when and where I needed it.

No less important was Ton Derks. His scholarly enthusiasm and critical but constructive approach have encouraged me throughout my work and have made me a better researcher. Also, his extensive knowledge of historical sources and of military archaeology have kept me from many a pitfall when writing up my research.

Finally, special mention should go to Ivo Vossen. I could not have wished for a better fellow PhD candidate, and academic peer and companion. The time that we spent together was as enjoyable as it was productive. I have particularly fond memories of the conferences both at home and abroad that we attended. Ivo also played an indispensable role in designing my database, producing many distribution maps, and much more.