The Espace Gallo-Romain in Ath and its remarkably preserved vessels

The boats and archaeological artefacts presented at the Espace Gallo-romain are the results of an exceptional discovery made in Pommeroeul in 1975. Join us on a journey through time to learn more about the Romans in Ath.

The boats

The boats featured remain, to this day, the only antique ones preserved in Belgium. These shipwrecks, which historical value is internationally recognised, are a unique insight into navigation in the Roman Gaul. They have been added to the list of exceptional cultural gems of Wallonia.

Impressive in size (the barge presented may be 12.7m long but it would have reached up to 18 m in real life, the pirogue 9.7 m), the artefacts are mostly made of oak wood planks, then nailed side by side and caulked. They are remarkably preserved.

And also...

In Pommeroeul, the archaeologists also found many hints about the daily life at the time: fragments of ceramics, objects made of leather, metal, glass, tools, jewels... A large selection is now on show at the Espace Gallo-romain.

The "labos archéos"

Theses archaeological sessions have been designed to offer an interactive side to the sites and its collections.

The Espace Gallo-romain prefers to let the objects "share their story" through drawings, pictures, models.

Visitors with specific needs

The Espace Gallo-romain is one of the many sites certified by Access-i (meaning with facilities or/activities adapted to travellers with specific needs). You will find more details on the website to plan your visit.