A few kilometres from Ath, Pommeroeul is home to a major archaeological site, a veritable treasure trove of Walloon heritage. During the summer of 1975, this discreet village saw the remains of a fascinating Gallo-Roman past come to light. In 2025, the Gallo-Roman Museum and the Walloon Heritage Agency will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the excavations with a programme packed with events.
A chance discovery that became unmissable
Remember the summer of 1975, when archaeological objects and boats were unearthed during earthworks on the Hensies-Pommeroeul canal. Very quickly, the excavations revealed the existence of an ancient artisan port, whose wooden, leather and metal remains were in an exceptional state of preservation. The marshy soil had protected them for nearly two millennia!
This unexpected discovery quickly attracted the attention of scientists. The quality of the objects unearthed makes Pommeroeul a unique site in Belgium, and even in Europe.
A necropolis, a canoe, a barge, a port: a past that resurfaces
Among the site’s centrepieces are a dugout canoe, carved from a single tree trunk, and a barge, the Gallo-Roman ancestor of today’s barges. These boats bear witness to Pommeroeul’s role as a trading hub between the local river, the Haine, and the Roman road linking what is now northern France (Bavay) to what is now Flanders (Velzeke).
Another notable discovery is a necropolis consisting of cremation graves and a single burial grave, which is unique in that it contains several individuals. All of the graves contain personal objects. These items offer valuable insight into funeral rites and daily life in Roman times.
The finds from the excavations tell a story, that of a Gallo-Roman port town where trade, navigation and the lives of the inhabitants intertwined along the waterways.
An anniversary, an invitation to delve into the past
To celebrate half a century of scientific research, the Gallo-Roman Museum has pulled out all the stops. The programme includes conferences, exhibitions, guided tours, meetings with archaeologists, as well as fun activities for the whole family throughout the year.
The idea? To help visitors rediscover the incredible richness of the Pommeroeul site, while making archaeology accessible and lively for families, schools, enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Want to find out more?
Visit the page dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Pommeroeul excavations on the Gallo-Roman Museum website. You’ll find all the details of the programme, behind-the-scenes information about the excavations and studies, and perhaps even the desire to set off yourself to discover this history that was once buried and is now visible for all to see.
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