New discoveries on the archaeological site of Grognon in Namur

" We have found the traces of a first habitat which must go back to 2,500 years before JC, burials which must date from the 1st century, objects which indicate the presence of a major craft in the 4th and 5th, a potter's oven of the 7th or wooden latrines of the 10th and 11th. We can therefore say that this last operation of preventive archeology before the final installation of the car park was very rich in lessons " said Raphael Vanmechelen, archaeologist and scientific manager of the site for the AWaP.

Major finds, the researchers have put forward a Latin inscription found during the dismantling of the structures of the Gallo-Roman sanctuary. " The notion of gods and games in the text invites a re-reading of the sacred area of ​​the confluence. One can imagine that shows have taken place here ", explained Raphaël Vanmechelen.

Started 16 months ago, the current excavations of Grognon will end on August 4. After this date, the companies responsible for the construction of the car park will take over the premises. Archaeologists will now tackle the sorting and badysis of all the elements collected. " The objective is to make a coherent badembly so as to present a final synthesis around March 2020 ", rejoiced Raphaël Vanmechelen

He also specified that additional excavations could be realized in the future but believes that the site has now certainly revealed all its important secrets. He now wishes to direct research to other places in Namur such as the edge of the Sambre, the citadel or Notre-Dame Street.

On the side of the city of Namur, the head of the department of public roads Michel Jehaes said he was delighted by the respect of the planning by archaeologists and the results of their research. He also confirmed that a public conference would be organized on 19 September to present an initial badessment to the population.