Archaeological Discoveries Unearth Medieval Gateway in Damme
Researchers from Ghent University have uncovered 2,810 archaeological fragments within 814 molehills surrounding the town of Damme in Belgium. These remains reveal the presence of a brick gateway dating back to the 13th-14th centuries and have enabled experts to reconstruct a long-forgotten medieval rural settlement. The structure, approximately 10 by 8 meters in size, is linked to a substantial medieval farmstead.
Out of the 814 molehills investigated, 421 contained archaeological materials. The findings include:
- construction debris;
- ceramics;
- metal artifacts;
- pieces of natural stone.
Among the ceramics, 294 fragments were identified, primarily consisting of local grey pottery, some red pottery with decorative elements, as well as imported stoneware. Building materials discovered incorporate red and pale red bricks, mortar, roof tiles, slate, and iron nails. Earlier geophysical surveys detected a subterranean anomaly with brick deposits, reinforcing the significance of these findings.
Architectural Comparisons and Research Techniques
An architectural counterpart to the brick gateway found near Damme was identified in the medieval Heismant gate in Eeklo, Belgium. This research took place in West Flanders, a historic region known as the Zwin, where Damme once served as a crucial outer port for Bruges during the Middle Ages. The study employed a unique molehill archaeology method that combines molehill analysis, geophysical measurements, historic maps, aerial photography, and soil examination. This approach capitalizes on the material that moles bring to the surface when tunneling, revealing buried archaeological evidence.
Additionally, Belgium has a rich archaeological heritage, exemplified by the discovery of a 1,600-year-old Roman metal dodecahedron near Kortessem in Flanders. This artifact was found by amateur archaeologist Patrick Schuermans using a metal detector. Similar Roman objects have been unearthed in the region since 1939, highlighting the area's long-standing historical significance and the value of ongoing archaeological efforts.
The excavation near Damme not only sheds light on medieval architecture and daily life but also emphasizes the region's strategic and economic importance in Belgian history. Damme's role as Bruges’ external harbor in medieval times underscores its influence in trade and agriculture. These discoveries, confirming the existence of large farm estates and trade routes, pave the way for further studies into the cultural and economic networks that shaped this historic landscape.