Old Rhine

The Rhine is one of the longest rivers in Europe, measuring 1232 kilometers. The Old Rhine is the last section of this river. The Old Rhine is the part between Harmelen and the sea, and together it is called the Rhine delta. Here, the Old Rhine flows into the sea.
 

The river runs in continuation of the Kromme Rijn, a branch of the Lower Rhine near Wijk bij Duurstede, and the Leidse Rijn, a canal from Utrecht. The river lies in the former main course of the Rhine, which formed the northern boundary of the Roman Empire since the beginning of our era and was declared a World Heritage Site in July 2021. Along large parts of the river, a towpath was constructed in the Middle Ages, from where barges were propelled, now often used as a bike path. The Rhine and its tributaries have historically been important for supplying drinking water, for disposing of waste, and as a transport route for European inland shipping. Source: Wikipedia

In the 10th century, many young dunes emerged, and in the 11th century, the growth of the dunes further increased. The flow of the Rhine diminished during the 12th century as a large part of the water split off and sought a path via the Lek. In 1122, the construction of a dam in the Rhine at Wijk bij Duurstede completely cut off the river. The mouth at Katwijk began to silt up significantly, resulting in a blockage.
During a severe storm, likely in the year 1134, the sea broke through the blockage and flooded the low-lying areas of Rijnland. Even thereafter, the normal tide submerged a considerable area for several decades. The significant decrease in the flow of the Rhine and the growth of the young dunes caused the Rhine mouth to become completely silted up between 1134 and 1165. Source: CanonvanKatwijk.nl

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