The CRAF archaeologists on site for the next 3 weeks: quite a story!
11 August 2024
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In 1963, the first underwater excavations were carried out in the bed of the Lesse by the Cave of Han. Since then, archaeologists have returned every year to continue these explorations.
These excavations have shed light on the Cave's eventful past, chapters of which are displayed in the PrehistoHan museum in Han-sur-Lesse. This 61st year of excavations might very well unveil new treasures...
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2024, a turning point in the history of the excavations in Han-sur-Lesse!
For 3 weeks, from August 6 to 24, the CRAF (Centre de Recherches Archéologiques Fluviales, the Centre for Fluvial Archaeology) will be in Han-sur-Lesse to continue its excavations in the Lesse, just outside the Cave of Han. Since 2012, the CRAF's objective has been quite ambitious: to dig out an 8-metre-wide trench across the river to excavate the sediment all the way down to the bedrock at the bottom of the river. This year, for the very first time, archaeologists will be exploring levels that are over 5.000 years old. A turning point in the history of excavations in the Cave of Han!
Over the last 12 years, several CRAF excavation campaigns, led by Christophe Delaere and Cécile Ansieau, have gone back in time, excavating 4 metres of sediment. Last year, they reached a layer of sediment dating back to the Neolithic period (3.000 BC). And it is precisely during this period that the first sedentary farmers settled in this area.
This year, as they continue their digs, the archaeologists will be able to go back even further in time, excavating extremely ancient levels that have never been explored before! What will they discover buried in the river? A thrilling question that will probably be answered in the weeks to come...
The underwater archaeological excavations are visible to the public near the entrance to the Cave of Han. Over the next 3 weeks, visitors will have ample opportunity to watch the archaeologists at work.