Publications
Chronologies in clay: Brick sizes as a regional dating method in medieval flanders
Researchers have developed a reliable method for dating medieval buildings using brick sizes, offering new insights into the construction timeline of Bruges, Belgium. The study identified distinct trends in brick dimensions from the 13th to 16th centuries, with clear shifts during the 13th and 14th centuries followed by a period of standardization. This chronology was validated through case studies of major monuments in Bruges, refining documented construction dates. While the method's accuracy diminishes beyond the Bruges region, its protocol remains transferable, providing a transparent approach for future studies. The findings also shed light on regional brick production practices and regulatory differences.
Financing a rebellious city. Social change, revolts, and inequality among the fiscal elite in fourteenth-century Bruges
Despite frequent uprisings and social unrest during the fourteenth century, inequality among Bruges' fiscal elite remained stable. This counterintuitive finding challenges conventional wisdom linking revolts to rising inequality. The study maps wealth trajectories of the top one percent in Bruges, a key medieval commercial hub, revealing openness within the elite regarding wealth, occupation, lineages, and office-holding. Craftsmen played a pivotal role in both market opportunities and government, potentially at the expense of lower classes. By analyzing fiscal data, the research sheds light on how gradual social transformations and revolts coexisted with elite stability.
Illuminating Sixteenth-century Measuring Methods and Map Design: New Findings from Pieter Pourbus’ Chorographic Maps
A new analysis of Pieter Pourbus’ sixteenth-century chorographic maps reveals unprecedented evidence of triangulation techniques, directly linking his cartographic methods to those described by Gemma Frisius. Traces such as compass circles, perforations, and incised meridians on the map of Cadzand suggest a systematic approach to mapping that aligns with Frisius' step-by-step method. Additionally, features like squaring grids and pounced dots provide further insight into Pourbus’ processes for compiling and copying maps. This study, integrating macroscopic examination with GIS analysis, challenges the contested use of triangulation in sixteenth-century cartography and offers a clearer understanding of the period's mapping techniques.
Paleoparasitological analysis of a 15th–16th c. CE latrine from the merchant quarter of Bruges, Belgium: Evidence for local and exotic parasite infections
A paleoparasitological analysis of 15th–16th century latrine sediments from Bruges, Belgium, reveals the presence of Schistosoma mansoni eggs, a parasite endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian peninsula, and South America. This discovery provides direct evidence for the movement of S. mansoni outside its traditional endemic regions during the medieval period, likely linked to trade or migration involving Bruges' merchant population. The study also identified local parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, liver fluke, and Taenia tapeworm, consistent with historical records. The findings suggest that S. mansoni may have been introduced to Europe through trade voyages or forced migration, offering new insights into the epidemiology of parasitic diseases in pre-modern populations.
De Oude Steen in Brugge. Dendrochronologisch en bouwhistorisch onderzoek van het huis Wollestraat 29.
A groundbreaking discovery places 'De Oude Steen,' a historic residence in Bruges, as the oldest dated dwelling in the city. Dendrochronological analysis of preserved timber layers in its cellar walls revealed construction between 1177 and 1205 AD, challenging previous assumptions about Bruges' architectural timeline. This rare survival of fieldstone masonry and ancient beams provides unprecedented insights into medieval building techniques. The study, combining dendrochronology with architectural history, confirms the structure's exceptional age while offering a precise dating framework for similar heritage sites.
Demonstration project ‘De Schipjes’: a zero-fossil-fuel energy concept in the historic city center of Bruges
A demonstration project in Bruges' historic center, 'De Schipjes,' showcases the feasibility of a zero-fossil-fuel energy concept. Dynamic simulations revealed critical insights, including actual system parameter values that often deviate from nominal settings, improved estimates for user behavior patterns, and the practicality of theoretical control strategies. This project provides a tangible example of integrating advanced simulation techniques with real-world applications in historic urban environments, offering valuable lessons for sustainable energy solutions in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Exploring Community Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Mass Tourism: The Case of Bruges
Local support is critical for fostering sustainable tourism development. Research in Bruges, a major Belgian tourist destination, reveals that residents and local entrepreneurs can adopt more positive attitudes toward tourism if its benefits outweigh its drawbacks. The study analyzed stakeholders' perceptions of mass tourism, highlighting the need to balance visitor demand with authentic experiences while mitigating overcrowding issues. Practical recommendations are provided for managers to promote sustainable tourism growth.
The Central Town Square in Medieval Towns in the (Southern) Low Countries: Urban Life, Form, and Identity between Social Practice and Iconographic Identity
Medieval town squares in the Low Countries, often seen as symbols of urban identity and merchant glory, were not merely products of path-dependent development but resulted from deliberate strategies by various social agents. This study reveals that these emblematic spaces underwent complex biographies, with selected memories attributed to them across different historical contexts. By integrating archaeological data and historical writings, the research reconstructs the evolution of these townscapes, demonstrating how they were shaped by intentional actions rather than organic growth.
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