The construction of a new administrative building in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, took an unexpected and humorous turn. Archaeologists have announced the discovery of what was thought to be a remarkable cache of 500 medieval cannonballs.

Plans for the new government building are set to begin, with the laying of foundations scheduled for the end of 2026. In preparation for the construction project, the city conducted archaeological excavations led by the Group Van Vooren.

As the construction site lies between the city hall, which dates back to the Middle Ages, and the town’s medieval defenses, archaeologists expected to uncover historical relics. As the city mayor stated in a press release, Nieuwpoort is a city “where history is literally everywhere.”

Unearthing a new side of the dreary Middle Ages

By peeling back layers of time, they discovered old walls and floors, but they have yet to determine their original purpose. Still, archaeologists suspect these structures had an administrative function due to their location in the civic center.

While these discoveries were exciting, they paled in comparison to what became the most talked-about find: the supposed 500 medieval cannonballs. The high-quality finish led archaeologists to believe they were intended for firearms. The cannonballs varied in size, suggesting that Nieuwpoort had a diverse arsenal. A cannon is even depicted on a map drawn by Antonius Sanderus in 1641, close to the excavation site.

“The most talked-about discovery is undoubtedly a hoard containing many dozens of natural stone cannonballs. Such cannonballs were used between approximately 1350 and 1600 and could be fired from cannons as well as catapults or trebuchets,” a press release explained.

Their placement suggests that they were stored in this location, rather than used in battle, according to Heritage Daily. As they were kept close to the southern city wall, they might have been kept there for defense purposes.

Furthermore, Fox News continued, they uncovered an unexploded shell from the First World War. “The DOVO demining service was immediately notified and arrived on site to secure and remove the ammunition.”

“This find serves as a reminder of the destruction of 1914–1918, during which Nieuwpoort was completely wiped off the map,” as per the press release.

Overall, the military was the overarching theme encompassing the excavation.

1,000 years of history

The findings exceeded their expectations: “from medieval building structures and an exceptional cannonball hoard to military relics pointing to our past as a front-line city,” the press release continued.

Mayor Kris Vandecasteele called “every construction phase in Nieuwpoort is also a journey of discovery into our own history, a past that is far from having revealed all its secrets.”

“It is particularly symbolic that we are giving the go-ahead for the construction of our new Administrative Centre on this historic ground this year. In doing so, we connect Nieuwpoort’s rich past with future-oriented services for our residents.”

“This site was situated in a strategic location near the city wall and the Town Hall and clearly played a role in the well-being and protection of our residents.”