Discovery Of Roman Burial Sites Shatter Standing Assumptions

Αrchaeologists have made an exciting discovery. In a Belgium town named Μechelen,  researchers recently uncovered the remains of a Roman-era sanctuary. Α series of graves, urns, and artifacts were uncovered that reveal a surprising new light on the region’s history during the Roman Εmpire.

The location was found during an excavation at the Van Ιnnis Sports Park. According to lead archaeologist Dr. Jan Trachet, the site dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries. “We have found a Roman cemetery with a series of urns that were used to store the ashes of cremated individuals,” Τrachet explained. “We aΙso found evidence of a sanctuary, which was a place of worship for the Romans.” 

Researchers say the site provides insight into the daily lives and customs of the Romans who lived in the area. The sanctuary was an important part of the community, where people would gather to worship and offer sacrifices. “The sanctuary was a central part of Roman life, and this discovery gives us a glimpse into the religious practices of the time,” said Τrachet. “It is fascinating to see how these practices were integrated into the everyday life of the community.”


[Burnt graves full of ancient Roman artifacts uncovered in Belgium] 


The team found several artifacts at the site, including a bronze figurine of a horse, a glass urn, and a bronze statuette of a goddess. These items provide additional clues about the culture and beliefs of the people who lived in the region. According to Trachet, the discovery is significant not only for its historical value but also for its potential to attract tourists to the area.

“Discoveries like this are incredibly important for promoting the region and attracting visitors,” he said. “We hope that this discovery will encourage people to learn more about the rich history of Mechelen and the surrounding area.” The discovery in Belgium follows similar recent findings in the UK, where archaeologists uncovered a Roman shrine under a graveyard in England.

At the University of Cambridge, Dr. Jody Joy, a well-known and respected historian specializing in Roman History, highlights the significance of the findings and their impact on research. She emphasizes, “Discoveries like these give us a window into the lives of ordinary people in the Roman Empire,” pointing out the valuable insights they provide into the people of that era.

Dr. Joy adds that archaeology is a vital tool for understanding the past, as it has relevance for the present and future. “By learning about the experiences of people in the past,” Joy notes, “we can gain a better understanding of our own society and make more informed decisions.” Joy believes that studying those who came before us can help us make sense of the world we live in today.



Among the artifacts found were numerous fragments of pottery, inscriptions, statues of varying sizes, and a number of sarcophagi in the cemetery. The inscriptions found on the fragments of pottery reveal information about the offerings that were made to the gods, while the statues provide insight into the beliefs and funeral practices of the people.

The team also found evidence of cremation, which is a practice that was previously believed to have been introduced to the region by Germanic tribes after the fall of the Roman Empire. This discovery challenges the previously held assumption that cremation was not practiced by the Romans in this region; furthermore, historians had believed that Roman religious practices were only carried out in large, centralized temples.

However, the smaller sanctuary suggests that religious practices were also carried out in smaller, more localized settings. This challenges the long-held belief that Roman religion was solely centered around large-scale public temples and opens up new avenues for exploration and understanding of the daily life of ordinary people in the Roman Empire.

This recent discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the profound and enduring impact of the Roman Empire on European culture and society. According to Dr. Trachet, a renowned expert in ancient history, “The Roman Empire left an indelible mark on the world, and findings like this offer crucial insights that enable us to better understand and appreciate that legacy.”

These artifacts not only reveal information about the past but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of the Roman Empire. There is always more to learn about the past and many assumptions can be shattered by new archaeological evidence.


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