The Last Hunter-Gatherer-Fishermen in Sandy Flanders (NW Belgium)

The so-called ‘Waasland Scheldepolders’ are one of the most archaeologically promising, but unfortunately also one of the most threatened areas of northern Belgium. In contrast to most of the Belgian territory, where the majority of prehistoric sites lie at the surface and have therefore been severely disturbed by erosion and plowing, the prehistoric heritage in this area is generally well-preserved. Since 1970, however, it has been under constant threat, in particular from Antwerp harbor, one of the largest in Europe. Large parts of the Waasland Scheldepolders are situated on the left bank of the river Schelde and are consequently in danger of disappearing due to the digging of new docks and the installation of large industrial complexes. This study presents and discusses all relevant environmental and chronological data.