Archaeologists in Antwerp have uncovered significant remains of the 17th-century Fort Piémentel, alongside an exceptionally rare large-scale wooden structure dating back to the 15th century, during excavations linked to the ongoing Oosterweel infrastructure works. The discoveries are expected to provide valuable new insights into the city’s maritime, military and settlement history.
City archaeologists, working in collaboration with Lantis and the City of Antwerp, are conducting systematic archaeological monitoring of the Oosterweel project. At the former village of Oosterweel, where Fort Piémentel once stood and where the Oosterweel interchange is now being built, targeted trial trenches are being used to map the historic landscape beneath the modern construction site.
Foundations of a 17th-century defensive fort
During the investigation, archaeologists uncovered double rows of wooden foundation piles associated with the bastions of Fort Piémentel. The fort was constructed in 1632 by the city authorities to defend Antwerp against attacks from the Northern Netherlands during a period of intense military conflict.
The parallel rows of piles, measuring up to 30 metres in length, were used in combination with wooden mats to reinforce the bases of the fort’s projecting bastions at each corner of the structure. Similar pile foundations have been documented at other waterfront fortifications from the 16th and 17th centuries, but their preservation at this site is particularly noteworthy due to the wet soil conditions that helped conserve the timber.
Additional pile rows were identified at other parts of the fort, confirming the extent and construction techniques of the defensive complex. Archaeologists also discovered remnants of fort buildings, traces of earlier habitation, and a range of smaller artefacts that shed light on daily life in the area.
A rare 15th-century wooden construction
The most striking discovery is a large wooden structure measuring approximately 20 metres in length and 8 metres in width. According to archaeologists, this is a unique find in the region and likely dates back to the 15th century, based on ceramic material recovered from the infill layers.
The structure consists of reinforced compartments filled with soil and timber, suggesting it served as a foundation for a wooden building or platform. Researchers believe it may have supported a lookout post or other strategic installation along the riverbank. A similar structure appears to be depicted in historical imagery of the Battle of Oosterweel, which took place in 1567.
The timber platform is oriented north–south and has been carefully excavated down to its foundation level and thoroughly documented. Evidence shows that a brick building was later constructed on top of the wooden structure in the 16th or 17th century, with remnants of that later phase still visible in the archaeological record.
“This is the first time that a structure of this type and scale has been identified in this region,” archaeologists noted, describing the find as exceptionally valuable for understanding medieval riverfront engineering and settlement patterns.
Insights into Antwerp’s historic river landscape
Beyond the architectural remains, the excavations have revealed important details about the historical landscape along the Scheldt. The area was once characterised by tidal channels and layers of clay deposits, forming a dynamic and water-rich environment.
Within these layers, archaeologists found shipbuilding-related artefacts such as nails and tools, including caulking irons, as well as book fittings, 13th-century coins, tokens, buckles and fishing net weights. These finds highlight the close relationship between the inhabitants of Oosterweel and the river, reflecting both maritime activity and everyday life.
Discovery of a medieval boardwalk
Another notable feature uncovered at the site is a knuppelpad, a wooden boardwalk constructed in a marshy environment. Such paths were commonly used to traverse wetlands, but well-preserved examples are rare.
During the excavation of the boardwalk, archaeologists recovered numerous artefacts, including metal objects, leather footwear, pottery fragments and animal bone material. These finds provide further evidence of sustained human activity in the area over several centuries.
City highlights importance of Oosterweel excavations
Antwerp’s mayor, Els van Doesburg (N-VA), emphasised the broader significance of the discoveries, stating that much of the city’s history lies buried beneath its port infrastructure.
“A part of Antwerp’s story lies beneath the harbour, between the docks and warehouses. The Oosterweel works offer a unique opportunity to make that past visible. These finds tell the story of how Antwerp’s inhabitants have always lived in rhythm with the Scheldt, both in everyday life and in times of conflict.”
Further research planned
Archaeological investigations will continue in the coming weeks in other areas of Fort Piémentel that will be affected by the construction of the Oosterweel interchange. Special attention will be given to original habitation layers of the former village of Oosterweel and to any potential traces linked to the Battle of Oosterweel in 1567.
The current discoveries build on earlier archaeological findings in the area. Previous excavations near the Noordkasteel revealed a monumental historic sluice structure and an unexpected railway wagon from the London North Eastern Railway, highlighting the site’s layered and complex history.
Researchers expect that continued excavation will further deepen understanding of Antwerp’s military defences, river-based infrastructure and everyday life from the medieval period through the early modern era.
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