Archaeologists have uncovered a previously unexplored section of a medieval cemetery beneath the Vlasmarkt in Ghent, Belgium, revealing that hundreds of people may have been buried beneath one of the city's best-known public squares.Foto: Stad Gent
The discovery was made during a trial excavation carried out by archaeology firm BAAC while roadworks were underway.
Four human skeletons were found at a depth of just over one metre at the location where Ghent authorities had originally planned to plant a tree.
The excavation has now led archaeologists to estimate that the wider cemetery could contain more than 240 skeletons.
For the time being, however, the remains will remain undisturbed.
Four Skeletons Found During a Trial Excavation
The archaeological investigation examined only a small section of the Vlasmarkt.
The excavation was conducted as roadworks were taking place, with Ghent removing the square's traditional cobblestones and resurfacing the area with tarmac.
The trial excavation focused on the spot where a tree was intended to be planted.
Instead, archaeologists discovered four skeletons buried at a depth of slightly more than one metre.
A deeper borehole provided evidence of four additional burial levels beneath the excavated area.
This suggests that multiple generations of burials may have taken place at the same location.
A Cemetery Known From Historical Records
The discovery itself was unexpected in its scale, but the existence of a cemetery beneath the Vlasmarkt was already known.
Historical information indicates that the area served as a cemetery from approximately the 11th century through the 18th century.
The Vlasmarkt is located next to St James’s Church, making the historical connection between the square and burial activity unsurprising.
What had remained unclear was the number of people buried beneath the modern market.
The new archaeological evidence provides the first indication of the potential scale of the cemetery.
More Than 240 Skeletons May Remain Beneath the Square
Based on the number of burial levels identified through the borehole, archaeologists estimate that approximately 20 skeletons could be present at the specific location examined.
BAAC then used this information to estimate the potential number of burials across the wider area.
The estimated cemetery covers approximately 23 square metres, and archaeologists believe there may be more than 240 skeletons beneath the Vlasmarkt.
This figure remains an estimate rather than a confirmed archaeological count because most of the cemetery has not been excavated.
Why the Remains Will Stay Undisturbed
Following the discovery, Ghent authorities decided not to plant the planned tree at the location.
The city has also decided that no further excavation will take place for now.
The archaeological remains will therefore be preserved in place.
City authorities have nevertheless indicated that the discovery will be taken into consideration if the Vlasmarkt undergoes larger-scale redevelopment in the future.
This approach allows the archaeological evidence to remain protected while leaving open the possibility of further investigation at a later date.
From Medieval Cemetery to Modern Nightlife
The archaeological discovery presents a striking contrast with the modern identity of the Vlasmarkt.
Today, the square is one of Ghent's popular destinations for nightlife.
During the Ghent Festival, the Vlasmarkt becomes a major gathering place, with celebrations continuing into the early hours of the morning.
Beneath this modern public space, however, lie the remains of people who lived and died many centuries ago.
The discovery illustrates how urban landscapes can preserve layers of history beneath streets and public squares that have been transformed repeatedly over time.
A Hidden Layer of Ghent’s History
The cemetery provides an important reminder that modern cities often conceal extensive archaeological remains beneath their present-day infrastructure.
In this case, the historical record already indicated that the Vlasmarkt served as a burial ground for centuries.
The trial excavation has now demonstrated the physical survival of those burials and revealed that the cemetery may be considerably larger than previously understood.
The discovery of multiple burial levels also indicates that the area was used repeatedly for burials over a long period.
Although researchers have not excavated the wider cemetery, the surviving remains could potentially preserve valuable information about the people buried there.
What Happens Next?
For now, the archaeological investigation is effectively on hold.
No additional excavations are planned, and the remains will be preserved beneath the modern square.
The city has committed to considering the cemetery during any future large-scale redevelopment of the Vlasmarkt.
That means the site may eventually become the subject of more extensive archaeological research.
Until then, the four skeletons uncovered during the trial excavation provide a rare physical glimpse into a cemetery that served Ghent's community for centuries.
Conclusion
A trial excavation beneath Ghent's Vlasmarkt has revealed four medieval skeletons and evidence suggesting that several additional burial levels survive below them.
Although only a small portion of the square was investigated, archaeologists estimate that more than 240 skeletons could remain beneath the wider site.
The cemetery was known to have been in use from the 11th to the 18th century, but its scale had previously been unclear.
The discovery has already changed plans for the modern square: the proposed tree will not be planted, and no further excavation is currently planned.
Instead, the remains will be preserved for the future.
For visitors enjoying the Vlasmarkt today, particularly during Ghent's famous festival celebrations, the discovery offers a remarkable reminder that beneath the modern city lies a much older landscape—and an entire cemetery hidden beneath their feet.
FAQ
Where was the medieval cemetery discovered?
The cemetery was discovered beneath the Vlasmarkt in Ghent, Belgium, next to St James’s Church.
How many skeletons were found?
Four skeletons were uncovered during the trial excavation.
How many skeletons could be buried beneath the Vlasmarkt?
Archaeologists estimate that more than 240 skeletons may be buried beneath the site.
How old is the cemetery?
Historical records indicate that the Vlasmarkt served as a cemetery from approximately the 11th to the 18th century.
How deep were the skeletons?
The four skeletons were discovered at a depth of just over one metre.
Were there more burial levels?
Yes. A deeper borehole indicated the presence of four further burial levels beneath the excavated area.
Will archaeologists excavate the cemetery further?
Not for now. Ghent authorities have decided against further excavations and will preserve the remains.
Why wasn't the planned tree planted?
The tree was originally intended to be planted at the location where the archaeological remains were discovered. Following the discovery, the city decided not to plant it.
