More than 250 skeletons and around 60 ossuaries have been unearthed during excavations at the Wasparkje in Ghent's Dampoort District, the city announced in a statement on Tuesday.
The excavation site corresponds to the former Dampoort Cemetery, which was in use between 1784 and 1877.
In addition to human remains, archaeologists uncovered burial vaults, sections of the cemetery wall, and various objects, including rings, shroud buttons, and metal coffin decorations.
Older evidence was also discovered, including two medieval pits, a Roman tomb containing cremated remains, and a fragment of an inkwell, likely dating between AD 150 and AD 300.
The excavations were commissioned by the city of Ghent.
The park is now under redevelopment and is set to feature play areas and a sports space, including a basketball court. It is expected to open by the end of 2025.
