In Ghent archaeologists have uncovered part of the Spanish Castle. This is the fortress that Emperor Charles V had built in the 16th century to keep the rebellious inhabitants of Ghent in check. Apartments will be built on the site at a later date. ‘We knew we would find something, but this is really magnificent,’ archaeologist says.
In this article, VRT NEWS uses images of human remains from archaeological research. These are photographs that have been released by the researchers themselves.
Excavations are underway on Spaanskasteelplein in Ghent, Capital of East Flanders. The place name reveals that a Spanish fortress once stood here. Emperor Charles had it built in the 16th century to keep an eye on the people of Ghent after they rebelled against higher taxes. The emperor had the rebels walk barefoot through the city with a noose around their necks as punishment. The people of Ghent owe their nickname of “noose bearers” to this event.
The enormous castle disappeared in the 19th century to make way for the Sint-Macharius neighbourhood. A large part of the site disappeared under buildings. A project developer recently had one of these buildings demolished to build new flats. ‘The cellars will disturb the soil. We are preserving what can still be found,’ says archaeologist Robby Vervoort (pictured top).
Spanish soldiers' quarters
Vervoort anticipated many remarkable discoveries. ‘We had conducted a preliminary study that already suggested a great deal, and test pits had also been dug in the demolished buildings. They revealed stone parts of the castle and even older finds,’ says Vervoort.
It's an enormous dig.
The Spanish Castle is revealed.
Skulls belonging to buried bodies surface.
The archaeologists were able to excavate walls that together formed army quarters. ‘Presumably, the Spanish soldiers stayed here,’ says Vervoort. ‘There are many traces that point to their presence. Further research is needed, but there are some great artifacts’.
Move the white line to see the Spanish Castle on the Ferraris map (1777) and the current map.
Vervoort is very enthusiastic about a cesspit full to the brim. ‘We are literally standing in centuries-old “shit”. All kinds of things were thrown into the pit at the time. Finds are often exceptionally well preserved. We scrape off layer after layer to recover the finds as well as possible. This is an archaeological treasure trove.’
‘We will be able to find out what the soldiers ate, based on the animal remains, seeds and plant pollen we find here.’ Glass bowls and parts of wine bottles were also found. ‘Probably from the Spanish soldiers who were quartered here.’
A glass bottle.
Possibly a glass dish.
A praying figure found in the cesspit.
Dozens of medieval skeletons found in old abbey cemetery
By building his castle at a special location in the 16th century Emperor Charles V completely humiliated the people of Ghent. The former St. Bavo's Abbey and its associated buildings had to make way for it. The abbey is considered to be the cradle of the city. It was here that Saint Amandus founded Ghent in the 7th century. ‘Here we are standing about 50 metres from the old abbey church.’
The church has been gone for centuries. The City of Ghent had trees planted to mark the ground plan. ‘We are standing on the old cemetery,’ says Vervoort. Archaeologists found dozens of medieval skeletons here. Were these people monks? They must have had something to do with abbey life.’
The skeletons date from between the 13th and 16th centuries.
Human remains found during the dig.
Skulls are often well-preserved.
Skeletons are measured.
Part of the abbey was preserved. The ruins of St Bavo's Abbey can still be visited and Ghent is planning a thorough renovation soon.
The site revealed even more secrets. ‘We also found ceramics and building materials from the Roman period. There must have been habitation here even in prehistoric times.’
A few flint tools were also among the finds.
‘We are also leaving something for the archaeologists of the future’
The excavations will end in early March, and the site will enter a new phase. The archaeological site will then be transformed into a construction site. Apartments equipped with basements will then be built.
‘Part of the plot has been preserved. Buildings will also be constructed there, but without basements. We are leaving everything untouched. We believe that the archaeologists of the future will have much better tools at their disposal. They will then be able to continue working on what can still be found there.’