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450 Medieval Cannonballs Discovered in Belgium's Nieuwpoort

4/20/2026

24 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, uncovered about 450 medieval cannonballs at a construction site dating from 1350 to 1600 A.D.
The cannonballs were likely fired from trebuchets or catapults.
This discovery is the first of its kind in Flanders and possibly worldwide.
Researchers also found a World War I shell and evidence of medieval activity.
The city plans two years of analysis and will issue recommendations for public display.

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Story summary

Archaeologists in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, uncovered about 450 medieval cannonballs at a construction site dating from 1350 to 1600 A.D.
The cannonballs were likely fired from trebuchets or catapults.
This discovery is the first of its kind in Flanders and possibly worldwide.
Researchers also found a World War I shell and evidence of medieval activity.
The city plans two years of analysis and will issue recommendations for public display.