Archaeologists probe ancient Roman army camp: ‘Possibly the largest in Belgium’

Today the archaeologists started their search by digging deep trenches on the Molenweg in Velzeke. ‘This is the first time a spade has gone into the ground, but research into this army camp has been going on for years,’ says Ingrid In 't Ven, archaeologist at the Immovable Heritage Agency.

Until now, archaeologists have been able to carry out their research without having to dig. ‘We did this using geophysical research,’ explains In 't Ven. ‘Basically, that means we scan the soil. This allows us to learn a lot about what is hidden beneath all these layers of earth.’

In this case, it appears to be the largest Roman army camp in Belgium. ‘We can already see the contours of the camp on the scans,’ says the archaeologist. ‘But we won't be certain until we see the remains in the ground.’

‘Today and the next few days will be exciting,’ says In 't Ven. ‘We hope to find as many details as possible so that we can date the remains accurately.’

If the archaeologists' suspicions are confirmed, In 't Ven believes it could be a major step forward in research into the period when the Emperor Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, reigned. ‘Not only would it be the largest camp in Belgium, but it would also confirm that Roman troops set up camps here to recruit local people. They then had to serve in the Roman army.’

Military presence a boost for the region

An army camp in Velzeke would also mean that the Romans made all kinds of investments in that region. After all, soldiers also need roads and food. It would also have stimulated new settlements in and around Velzeke.

The archaeologists are also focusing specifically on the interaction between military and civil organisations. They hope that this research will shed new light on the earliest Roman presence in our regions.