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A sedimentary investigation was carried out into the rise and fall of mediaeval Bruges' maritime access. Because the mediaeval metropolis had no direct connection with the North Sea, its maritime connectivity during the High- and Late-Middle Ages depended on a tidal channel, known as the 'Zwin'. In order to reconstruct the mediaeval physical environmental situation correctly, the entire Holocene sedimentary record was studied through undisturbed mechanically-drilled cores and electrical cone penetration tests (CPT-e). A detailed sedimentary analysis was complemented with radiocarbon dating and datable archaeological finds to resolve a timeframe for the sedimentary evolution. Tidal channel systems with diverse morphologic and sedimentologic characteristics prevail and cover a period from at least the Roman period till the Late-Middle Ages. The presence of a single peat layer directly on top of the Pleistocene substrate and the stratigraphic position of the tidal channel deposits relative to this peat layer, proves that no seawater entered this part of the Belgian coastal plain before the Late-Holocene. The tidal channel system that was active during the heydays of Bruges (the Zwin) was the last natural one. It silted up due to a further reduction of the accommodation space as a consequence of new embankments, possibly expedited by storms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological research at Hoeke, a Late Medieval outer harbour of Bruges (Belgium), has revealed large quantities of iron slags, fuel and other remains of iron working. Archaeometrical study has provided an enhanced insight into the historic iron working process, a craft activity which had up till now remained completely unknown in one of the largest economic hubs of medieval Europe. Several petrological, mineralogical and geochemical analytical methods have been applied for this purpose. The metallographic analysis was performed using reflected light optical microscopy, while the mineralogical composition of the slags was characterized X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Spectrometry. Macroscopic identification of plano-convex bottom slag and hammerscales, combined with the geochemical data pointed out that the examined slag is indicating smithing activity, while no traces for iron ore melting were discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate cross‐Channel exchange of calcareous sandstone‐type whetstones derived from the Weald (Sussex, UK) in the Roman period. The presence of this particular type of whetstone at several Roman sites on the Continent – more specifically, in Belgium, France and the Netherlands – is reported for the first time. The morphology, geological provenance, petrographic characteristics and distribution patterns are discussed, based on a comparative analysis with archaeological and geological reference material. The geological analysis identifies a common geological source for the Continental finds: the very fine‐grained, thin‐bedded, flagstone‐like calcareous sandstone beds of the Lower Cretaceous Wealden Clay Formation. These sandstones were, most probably, extracted in the north‐western part of the Weald area. The distribution pattern of the archaeological material implies the importance of personal mobility, with potential military affinities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Between 2002 and 2004, excavations on the castle of Middelburg (Belgium) revealed ample pottery assemblages dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of preserved surface residues on these ceramics allowed the identification of biomarkers for animal and vegetal foods, and thermal processing. This paper furthermore reinforces the methodology for examining food residues by GC–MS, particularly in pottery in which highly varied meals were prepared. For example, this study forms the first instance in which dairy signals have been identified in mid-chain ketones. Moreover, insights are gained in the multiple uses of vessel types and questions arise on the dietary and medicinal practices of the inhabitants of this particular castle site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For some years, a French-Belgian team of archaeologists and geologists is investigating the provenance of ancient quernstones and millstones. Their study revealed the frequent occurrence of particular coarse sandstones derived from Lower Devonian strata in the Ardenne region, known as either the "Arkose of Haybes" by geologists or the "Arkose of Macquenoise" by archaeologists. Material for Late Iron Age and Roman quern-stones and millstones was quarried from open pits located west of the border between France and Belgium, between the Belgian village of Macquenoise (Commune of Momignies, Province of Hainaut) and the French town of Hirson (Aisne Department, Hauts-de-France region). This paper describes the raw materials, presents the different types of grindstones produced through historical times and provides a detailed diffusion map of the millstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During archaeological excavations of the Castle of Middelburg (Belgium), a 16th century ceramic vessel containing a greasy substance was found. A wide range of chemical techniques was applied on what was presumed to be an ointment to reveal its nature and function. The organic fraction, constituting about 24wt.%, was analyzed by chromatography and mass spectrometry and consists of beeswax next to smaller amounts of a triglyceride lipid source. Infrared analyses indicated the presence of calcium carboxylate soaps. The inorganic ingredients represent about 30% of the total mass. While calcium, lead and iron were detected by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction revealed calcium sulfate (gypsum) and lead sulfate as major minerals. Detailed study by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of lead as a divalent species. Altogether, these results point to a medicinal formulation of a lead plaster, used for treating bruises, mixed with beeswax, which was added for easy application on the skin. It is further assumed that lead carboxylates, originally present in the sample, reacted with gypsum, resulting in the formation of calcium carboxylates and lead sulfate. Gypsum could have been added to whiten or to strengthen the plaster. Hence, the analyses confirm the presumed medicinal nature of the find and add it to the list of very rare finds of preserved historical ointments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]