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Archaeological excavation near Maastricht (the Netherlands) in the town of Lanaken (Belgium) revealed a previously unknown wooden‐and‐earth fortified site dating back to c.650–800. The fortification's construction, layout and dimensions are indicative of Roman military practice, suggesting active application of this practice during the early medieval period. This research delves into the implications of this discovery, shedding light on early medieval military strategies in the region and providing insights into potential historical contexts surrounding the fortified sitecation's construction and use. In so doing, it makes an important contribution to ongoing discussions regarding the nature of early medieval military organization and elite society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The material remains and environmental data recovered during a rescue excavation in 2002–03 in the castle of the new town of Middelburg-in-Flanders throw light on the site, region and landscape in wartime. The paper discusses the historical context at the turn of the 16th century, the excavation of the castle, the taphonomy of the chutes, the analysis of the artefacts and ecological data recovered from two garderobe chutes in the upper court, and concludes with a synthesis focussing on the interpretation of the excavated record in the historically attested natural and socio-economic disruption caused by the Spanish-Dutch War. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2002 and 2004, excavations on the castle of Middelburg (Belgium) revealed ample pottery assemblages dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of preserved surface residues on these ceramics allowed the identification of biomarkers for animal and vegetal foods, and thermal processing. This paper furthermore reinforces the methodology for examining food residues by GC–MS, particularly in pottery in which highly varied meals were prepared. For example, this study forms the first instance in which dairy signals have been identified in mid-chain ketones. Moreover, insights are gained in the multiple uses of vessel types and questions arise on the dietary and medicinal practices of the inhabitants of this particular castle site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological excavations at "Doorn Noord" (Ninove, East Flanders, Belgium) revealed a complex of traces of human activity and occupation, spanning several millennia. The youngest finds consist of a vast number of surficial hearths and hearth pits, that are interpreted as the remnants of military camps. Based on direct and indirect historical information, as well as a few diagnostic finds, these traces were originally assigned to possible phases of encampment in 1692 CE, 1693 CE, 1745 CE and/or 1831–1838 CE. Although widely used in archaeological research, it is well-known that radiocarbon (14C) dating lacks precision for post-1650 CE features and therefore does not allow allocating a particular trace to a distinct phase of military presence. In this study, we report on the potential of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals of quartz for directly dating the heated sedimentary remains of the hearths. We consider it a test of both accuracy and precision given the availability of independent age information (historical sources and archaeomagnetic dating). Six samples from three features yielded indistinguishable optical ages, with an average age of 1748 ± 39 CE (95% probability). This OSL date coincides with historical and archaeological evidence for the presence of a large army in this area in 1745 CE. As sources of systematic uncertainty are (largely) shared, it is possible to distinguish between comparable features with a relative time-resolution of ∼2%. For hearths from the last few centuries (post-1650 CE), this implies that numerical and relative chronologies can be established on decadal and multi-annual timescales with 95% confidence. • Quartz-based OSL dating of hearth remains from (early) Modern times. • Average OSL age (1748 ± 39 CE; 95% probability) matches independent age (1745 CE). • A relative time-resolution of 10 years with 95% probability can be achieved. • The level of accuracy and precision are unprecedented. • Wide relevance and potential of OSL-chronometry of sediments heated during (early) Modern times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Image-based 3D modeling has already proven its value for the recording of excavations, however until now its application has remained rather small-scale. We have examined the possibilities and limitations of image-based 3D modeling in the recording of an entire excavation, and its impact on the workflow of the excavation process and the post-excavation processing. Our results suggest that image-based 3D modeling can be an excellent and suitable method for the recording, documentation and visualization of the excavated archaeological heritage. It offers great possibilities for increasing the quality of the archived archaeological excavation record. The high-resolution geometric information allows a straightforward quantification of the data. However it also brings along new challenges, including a change in the workflow of the excavation and the post-excavation process. Although there are limitations, these are greatly surpassed by the possibilities of the method. We believe that image-based 3D modeling can cause a(n) (r)evolution in archaeological excavation practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Archaeological practice within the European context of heritage management is facing huge challenges in ways of recording and reproduction of ex-situ preserved sites. As a consequence of the Valletta-treaty, numbers of archived images and drawings of excavated structures as prime sources of past human activity, are exponentially growing. Contrarily to portable remains however, their future study and revision is biased by the two-dimensional character of the recorded data, rendering difficult their future reconstruction for new study or public dissemination. A more realistic three-dimensional (3D) way of recording and archiving should be pursued. In this paper the possibilities for 3D registration of archaeological features are examined in a computer vision-based approach using the PhotoScan software package (Agisoft LCC). It proved to be a scientific and cost-effective improvement compared to traditional documentation methods. Advantages can be found in the high accuracy and straightforwardness of the methodology. The extraction of an orthophoto or a Digital Terrain Model from the 3D model makes it feasible to integrate detailed and accurate information into the digital archaeological excavation plan. The visual character of 3D surface modeling offers enhanced output-possibilities allowing a better documentation of in-situ structures for future research and a higher public participation and awareness for the archaeological heritage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During archaeological excavations of the Castle of Middelburg (Belgium), a 16th century ceramic vessel containing a greasy substance was found. A wide range of chemical techniques was applied on what was presumed to be an ointment to reveal its nature and function. The organic fraction, constituting about 24wt.%, was analyzed by chromatography and mass spectrometry and consists of beeswax next to smaller amounts of a triglyceride lipid source. Infrared analyses indicated the presence of calcium carboxylate soaps. The inorganic ingredients represent about 30% of the total mass. While calcium, lead and iron were detected by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction revealed calcium sulfate (gypsum) and lead sulfate as major minerals. Detailed study by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of lead as a divalent species. Altogether, these results point to a medicinal formulation of a lead plaster, used for treating bruises, mixed with beeswax, which was added for easy application on the skin. It is further assumed that lead carboxylates, originally present in the sample, reacted with gypsum, resulting in the formation of calcium carboxylates and lead sulfate. Gypsum could have been added to whiten or to strengthen the plaster. Hence, the analyses confirm the presumed medicinal nature of the find and add it to the list of very rare finds of preserved historical ointments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]