An excavation in advance of new construction in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, has uncovered a cache of almost 500 medieval cannonballs. A large arsenal of medieval artillery assembled in a single location is an exceptionally rare find.
Given the age of the Stadshalle, medieval remains were expected finds, but archaeologists were astonished to discover dozens of cannonballs of varying size stored together less than three feet below street level. Stratigraphy dates the cannonballs to between approximately 1350 and 1600. These types of stone balls were fired from cannons, but also used as thrown projectiles in catapults and trebuchets. They are all carefully finished and rounded, however, which suggests they were intended to fit smoothly in the barrels of firearms.
The balls were piled; they didn’t land there randomly in battle. This was an artillery depot strategically located behind City Hall near the medieval southern city walls (now gone). One possible hint is a map from 1641 which depicts a cannon next to that wall close to the find site. The cannonballs may have therefore been an arsenal maintained by the city for defense.
Thats some serious man hours there crafting those stone spheres.
ReplyDeleteThis is the location for the first Olympic shotput trial.
ReplyDeleteIn the year 2525 the archaeologists are gonna be digging up prepper caches.
ReplyDeleteThe balls were piled........
ReplyDeleteWhen people show up to confiscate your ability to defend yourself and castle. Keep going and Ill bet they find a cannon and trebuchet. It is a terrible shame if they show up and don't find anything to steal... Of course they weren't merely lost there... Seems folks on the other side of the pond have the same trouble with their democrats and for a lot longer than America... ...
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