The Romans left the ruins from a Roman
villa rustica as a legacy. In 1049
pope Leo IX initiated the Catholic Church - Sint Laurentiuskerk. During medieval times many castles were built:
Cortenbach,
Haeren,
Puth,
Rivieren and
Terworm. Also castles such as
Hoenshuis and
Overst Voerendaal. The area was mined for
marl (mergel in Dutch) and
coal. ==Transportation==