More than 150 archaeological sites across Flanders open to public during Archaeology Days

More than 150 archaeological sites, depots and museums across Flanders will open to the public this weekend as part of the ninth edition of Archaeology Days. The annual event aims to bring archaeology closer to a wider audience through guided tours, workshops and interactive activities throughout the region.
The official launch took place on Wednesday in Meldert, where visitors can explore a former Gallo-Roman villa site using an interactive 3D application. The archaeological park, located in the municipality of Hoegaarden, was created to preserve remains buried underground while allowing the public to visualise the site digitally on location.
Archaeologists uncovered stone foundations of several buildings, as well as refuse pits, ditches and nearly 300 artefacts. Finds including fragments of millstones, metal slag and animal bones offer insight into daily life at the “villa rustica”, which was inhabited between 130 and 280 AD.

According to Flemish Brabant deputy Bart Nevens, the Archaeology Days show that archaeology is “anything but dusty or distant”.
Flemish minister for immovable heritage Ben Weyts also addressed the importance of archaeological research. “The more we find, the more we learn about our ancestors,” he said.
The Archaeology Days are organised by the five Flemish provinces, the Association of Flemish Provinces and the Forum for Flemish Archaeology. Activities will take place across Flanders from 29 to 31 May.
#FlandersNewsService | Gallo-Romeins Museum Archeologiedagen © PHOTO BELGA HANDOUT
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