Over 250 skeletons and Roman grave unearthed in Ghent park

Archaeologists have discovered more than 250 skeletons and around 60 bone pits during excavations in Waspark, a small park in Ghent’s Dampoort district.

The site was once the Dampoort cemetery, used between 1784 and 1877. Alongside the human remains, researchers found burial vaults, parts of the old cemetery wall and objects such as rings, shroud buttons and coffin decorations.

Older traces also emerged. Two medieval ditches and a Roman grave containing cremated remains were uncovered, as well as a pottery fragment believed to be part of an inkpot from 150-300 AD.

The dig was carried out by BAAC on behalf of the City of Ghent. The park is currently under redevelopment, with a new entrance, playground, sports cage and basketball court being created. 

The renovated park is set to reopen at the end of this year as part of the city renewal project En Route.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Unearthed remains at Waspark in Ghent © PHOTO CITY OF GHENT}

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