Homepage Ename Center

Battle Field Archaeology: a Pilot Project in Flanders

Over the centuries nowhere else in Europe have so many battles been fought as in Flanders. Despite this fact, battle field archaeology is still in its infancy. In the context of two value studies, i.e. a study of the Battle Field of Oudenaarde 1708 (East-Flanders) and one at the Battle Field of Lafelt 1747 (Limburg) the Ename Center is developing a methodology that will be exemplary for doing research at battle fields in the whole of Flanders. This research is done at the behest of the Flemish Heritage Agency. Battle field archaeology experts of Huddersfield University (UK) and the University of Birmingham (UK) have been involved from the very start.

The Ename Center plays a pioneering role in Europe as co-founder of the research network ESTOC that stands for European Studies of Terrains of Conflict. This network is an initiative of John and Patricia Carman of the University of Birmingham (UK). The ESTOC network is dedicated to promoting research and influencing heritage policies in favour of ancient battle fields across Europe.

De Slag bij Oudenaarde 1708 Methodological research with metaldetectors The Battle of Oudenaarde by Bredael