Some 450 medieval cannonballs were unearthed at a construction site in Belgium
Key Points:
- Archaeologists uncovered around 450 medieval cannonballs dating from 1350 to 1600 A.D. at a construction site in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, marking a potentially unique discovery in Flanders and possibly worldwide.
- The cannonballs, likely fired from trebuchets or catapults, exhibit a high degree of standardization and quality, indicating they were probably intended for firearms, with size variations suggesting a diverse arsenal.
- Additional findings at the site include an intact World War I shell, subsurface medieval activity, and structural remains near Nieuwpoort's historic City Hall and belfry, adding significance to the excavation.
- Excavation concluded in early April, and archaeologists plan to spend up to two years analyzing the artifacts and data before producing a comprehensive report.
- The cannonballs have been taken for further study, with recommendations expected to propose displaying the entire collection, though the original reason for their placement remains unclear.