Rotterdam is a city in the Netherlands, in South Holland within the RhineāMeuseāScheldt river delta at the North Sea. Its history goes back to 1270, when a dam was constructed in the Rotte river, after which people settled around it for safety. In 1340, Rotterdam was granted city rig⦠Rotterdam is a city in the Netherlands, in South Holland within the RhineāMeuseāScheldt river delta at the North Sea. Its history goes back to 1270, when a dam was constructed in the Rotte river, after which people settled around it for safety. In 1340, Rotterdam was granted city rights by the Count of Holland.