Within the historic centre of Brussels, excavations over a huge area have revealed the well-preserved remains of a medieval harbour along the Senne River. This watercourse, essential to the city’s origins and development, saw continuous occupation from the 10th to 16th centuries. The riverbanks were gradually reinforced in the 12th century, and by the 14th–15th centuries, the Senne was canalised, as indicated by a stone quay wall and boat dock. These transformations reflect the river’s critical role in shaping the city's economy and infrastructure. A diverse range of artifacts, including fish traps, pottery, metal objects and leather goods, have been unearthed, alongside an extensive collection of animal remains, providing crucial insights into medieval diet, economy, and waste disposal practices. The faunal assemblage, primarily from the 14th–15th century channelled riverbed, consists largely of consumption refuse, with clear evidence of butchery marks on bones. Remains of domestic livestock such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, together with poultry (geese and chicken) and a variety of fish species from both marine and freshwater environments, indicate not only a diversified food supply, but also the activities of butchers operating nearby. In addition to these dietary remains, the excavation uncovered whole carcasses of dogs, cats, and horses, discarded into the river, as well as small bones, likely originating from human excrements. Evidence of artisanal activities, such as horn, bone, and antler processing, suggests that craft industries were also located near the river. These findings highlight the Senne River’s dual role as both a resource and a repository, illustrating medieval Brussels’ complex human-environment interactions. The study of these animal remains offers valuable data on urban food consumption, and waste disposal in the medieval period. Despite centuries of transformation, the river remains a key witness to the city’s past.
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The Senne River has shaped the landscape and development of Brussels for centuries. However, its course and environmental conditions have been continuously altered by human interventions. This study compares freshwater mollusc and caddisfly (Trichoptera) remains from two archaeological sites, one Gallo-Roman (1st-3rd century AD) and one medieval (10th-16th century AD), to reconstruct changes in river flow, sedimentation, and water quality over time. At the Gallo-Roman site, a previously unknown river meander of the Senne river was uncovered, initially characterized by fast-flowing water, as indicated by coarse sand and gravel deposits. Over time, sedimentation patterns show a shift to finer materials, such as silt and organic muds, suggesting a transition to slower-moving or stagnant water before the meander was ultimately cut off. The site is located within a rural environment. In contrast, the medieval site, located within the historic centre of Brussels, represents a heavily modified urban river environment. Mollusc remains indicate predominantly slow-moving water, with occasional stagnant conditions. The discovery of caddisfly larvae cases, including the confirmed presence of Brachycentrus subnubilus, suggests that despite extensive waste dumping, parts of the medieval Senne still maintained sufficient water quality for oxygen-dependent species. By combining data from these two sites, this study attempts to document the Senne’s hydrology, sedimentation, and aquatic ecosystems in a rural and urban environment. The findings describe the river’s natural environment alongside increasing human impact, from early riverbank modifications in Gallo-Roman times to the canalization and pollution of the medieval period.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2025
