Built on resistance

The Netherlands is home to many forts, fortresses, (water) lines and sometimes difficult to recognise, barely visible remains of antiquity fortifications. These defenses throughout the country mainly served as a deterrent.
The theme edition of the year 2004 deals - in the 'Year of the Fortifications' - on the basis of fascinating and varied contributions about defences on land, at sea and in the air. What is being done with it in the present time? How are they experienced and what plans are there for them? Some of these remains are particularly well preserved and offer a characteristic home in nature to numerous organizations and residents. Topics covered include the Dutch part of the Roman limes, the earliest medieval fortifications, the Schenkenschans seen in paintings, the coastal defences during the Republic, fort guards' houses and the secret of the Heimenberg in Gelderland. The strategic line plan of General Winkelman from 1940 is also discussed. Furthermore, a contribution about air defense works at Deelen and Ypenburg. Many special and surprising photos, including from the 'Memory of the Netherlands', will arouse the interest of everyone, and especially of those with a special interest in the present, past and future of Dutch military heritage.