Langs Rotte, Maas en Schie. I. schetsen uit de geschiedenis van Rotterdam

This compact volume offers a vivid portrait of Rotterdam’s earliest days, beginning with the restless waters of the Rotte, Maas and Schie that shaped the landscape two thousand years ago. The authors guide the listener through a gently imagined journey of a lone Germanic traveler navigating the old Rhine, describing the sandbanks that later became familiar streets such as Feyenoord and Zandstraat. By weaving archaeological clues, Roman references to “Helinium,” and local folklore, the first chapter sets the scene for a city that rose from marshland to bustling port.

Rich black‑and‑white illustrations drawn from municipal archives and museum collections punctuate the narrative, letting listeners picture the primitive dunes and early settlements. Careful editorial work preserves the original spelling while smoothing obvious printing errors, and footnotes are gathered at the end of each section for easy reference. Designed originally for advanced school classes, the book remains an inviting gateway to the regional history of the Netherlands, perfect for anyone curious about how Rotterdam’s roots were laid.