Curbing the tide: The discovery of a Roman terp along the Heistlaan in Ramskapelle (Knokke-Heist, Belgium)

ABSTRACT:

Archaeologists have long struggled trying to understand the nature of the Roman-period occupation of the coastal plain of Flanders. From the start of the 21st century, following academic and development-led projects, knowledge on the nature of the Roman occupation in the coastal plain has gradually been expanding. To assess the possible destruction of archaeological remains in the area along the A11-highway connection between Damme, Knokke-Heist, and Bruges, a different methodology was implemented. This resulted in the discovery of a 2nd to 3rd century AD site along the Heistlaan in Ramskapelle (Knokke-Heist). Based on geo-archaeological and sedimentological observations, coupled with micromorphological data, the site is interpreted as an artificial dwelling mound or terp. This discovery is a significant step in understanding the impact of human activities on the landscape in the coastal plain. The results help reinterpret older excavation data and aid future research projects.