This is not the first discovery in the Parking 58 site. Credit: Belga

Archaeologists excavating the site Parking 58 have found a number of artefacts that represent life in Brussels hundreds of years ago.

Some of the artefacts found include a dagger, wooden combs, cannonballs, pottery, and more from between the 10th and 16th or 17th centuries.

“It is especially remarkable how many wooden and leather objects remained intact,” archaeologist Sylvianne Modrie of Brussels Heritage told Bruzz. “You don’t find wooden combs that fast. The objects were in the water layer under the foundations of Parking 58 and were thus protected against oxygen.”

Archaeologists also found six large fishing traps in relatively good condition. The traps are made from woven twigs and are likely from the 15th century. Researchers say they point to a rich fishing history in parts of the Senne River.

Parking 58 was a car park that was demolished in August 2017.

An exhibition showcasing the artefacts will open in November 2020 at Halles Saint-Géry.

Sam Nelson

The Brussels Times