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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]

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]

The archaeological investigations in Aalst - Siesegemkouter have uncovered various pits in a settlement from the middle to late Bronze Age. One pit with a structured stratigraphy and numerous finds, including a large amount of broken pottery, charcoal, and burnt animal bones, suggests early precursors of ritual practices. The excavations have also discovered remains of a Bronze Age settlement, including ceramic fragments, grinding stones, and burnt bones. The finds indicate an intensive use of the settlement. Further investigations are necessary to determine the cultural context and the occasion of these events. [Extracted from the article]