1975-2025
50 years of excavations at Pommeroeul
Back in time
1975 : Invention of the Pommeroeul site and excavations by the SNF
During earthworks on the Hensies-Pommeroeul canal in Pommerœul in the summer of 1975, archaeological objects were unearthed at a depth of 2.5 metres. Léonce Demarez, an amateur archaeologist, was the first on the scene, followed by Guy de Boe and François Hubert, archaeologists from the Service National des Fouilles (SNF).
The remains revealed a site occupied from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. The most important occupation is revealed in the form of a Gallo-Roman port town located at the junction of the Bavay-Blicquy road and the river La Haine. This location gave it a predominant commercial and craft role in the city of the Nerviens.
The Pommeroeul site is known for its outstanding archaeological material, including a large number of shoes and, above all, Gallo-Roman boats, including a barge and the dugout canoe.
1980-2000 : Wood treatment and reassembly of the dugout canoe and barge
After several years of excavations, it took more than 20 years to restore finds such as the barge, the museum’s flagship piece. Thanks to the efforts of our teams and the public authorities, this exceptional archaeological artefact, which is the property of the SPW, has been preserved and restored, and is now on display at the Espace gallo-romain of Ath.
1997 : the opening of the Espace Gallo-Romain of Ath
The Espace gallo-romain has been open to the public since 1997, in the heart of the town of Ath. The museum is housed in the former Académie de Dessin, behind a handsome neoclassical façade.
2010 : classification of the barge as a treasure by the FWB
Classified since 12 February 2010 by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB), the Pommeroeul barge is an exceptional object that sheds light on the occupation and economy of the Gallo-Roman countryside in the Early Empire and documents shipbuilding and river navigation techniques on a European scale.
2025 : 50 years of discoveries at the Pommeroeul site
In 2025, the “Agence wallonne du Patrimoine” and the Espace gallo-romain are celebrating the anniversary of the discovery of this exceptional site. The programme includes a never-before-seen video sequence on the restoration of the boats, lectures on Pommeroeul and events for schools, individuals and families.
The following events are only available in French even if you see here the translation of it.
- 15 february : Conference on the Gallo-Roman necropolis (L. Cattelain/Cercle)
- 15 march : Conference on the dry Meuse (C. Ansieau/Cercle)
- 17 may : Museum night
4.17 may : Inauguration of the modernisation of the dugout canoe showcase
5. 20-21 june : Music festival
6. 20 septembre : the swords of Pommeroeul: between the Iron Age and decorated scabbards (P.-B. Gérard/Cercle)
30 years of the Espace Gallo-Romain of Ath
In 2027, the Espace gallo-romain will be celebrating 30 years of existence and, more importantly, of being open to the public. We promise to celebrate with you!
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