Archaeology projects in 2014
In 2014, we completed more than 80 projects, some of them involving archaeology. Here you find a description of some of these projects.
Quest for the ramparts of Tienen
During works on the Tienen Ring Road, we carried out a GPR and multisensor surface detection by order of Studiebureau Archeologie. The aim of this geophysical survey was to search for the old enclosing wall ant possible towers and gates along the northern part of the ring road. We were assisted in this effort by the local police, who kept the crossroads free of traffic while we were working. The detection area was studded with distorting elements such as manhole covers, sign posts, fences and open trenches, rendering a complete and reliable detection with multisensor magnetometry impossible. With GPR we were able to identify the areas where once the city walls may have been standing. We used a small high pressure water jet nozzle to gauge the soil and came across a hard layer. Therefore we advised to dig a trial trench at that location to verify if it is indeed the old city wall.
Archaeology – surface detection – magnetometry / GPR
Assistance to trial trench survey in Baarle Hertog
For the expansion of the school buildings in Baarle-Hertog, the Flemish Heritage Centre carried out an archaeological evaluation of the area, with detection and registration of the archaeological heritage, and an assessment and evaluation of the potential impact of the planned works on archaeological remains. This included a trial trench survey. Since a 75 mm grenade had been found earlier on, a Bom-Be expert assisted in the layered excavation of the trenches, in order to anticipate the risks of finding more war ammunition.
Archaeology – assistance – magnetometry
Roman road historical survey
For the preparation of sewage network construction near the Holleweg, a sunken road in Oudenaarde, an archaeological survey was required, since the road is classified as an industrial-archaeological monument. Finds from Roman times on both sides of this road indicate that it once may have been a Roman road, in which case there is a real chance of more archaeological finds. Ruben Willaert Archaeology called upon Bom-Be to perform a desktop survey on the subject. During her research of old maps and local archives, our historian found information which indicated that the Holleweg was probably a byway of the Roman road network, and not an main Roman road.
Archaeology – desktop study
In search of the old city gates
Bom-Be assisted Ruben Willaert Archaeology in their search for the old city gates of Zonnebeke. These couldn’t be found, but several bomb craters were, so we had to secure different types of grenades and detonators from WW I.
Archaeology – assistance – magnetometry
Trenches in Lo-Reninge
At the request of Aquafin, Ruben Willaert Archaeology was carrying out excavations to find French (and later Belgian) trenches from WW I. Bom-Be assisted these activities and, not surprisingly, we were able to secure 2 artillary grenades and 19 detonators. We were also witness to some finds from de medieval era.
Archaeology – assistance – magnetometry