A significant historical discovery was made in Antwerp on Monday when a cannon believed to be from the Napoleonic era was unearthed from the River Scheldt.
The cannon, which dates back to the late 18th century, was found during dredging works linked to the city’s ongoing “Oosterweel” project, which is part of a major infrastructure initiative to build a new tunnel under the river.
The cannon was recovered as part of the efforts to relocate the navigation channel temporarily, a necessary step for the construction of the tunnel under the Scheldt.
The dredging, which is intended to remove large amounts of silt from the riverbed, took place between the Sint-Annabos on the Left Bank and Oosterweel, a historical village located on the Right Bank.
The cannon, weighing 36 pounds, is identified as a type commonly used by the French military during the Napoleonic Wars. It bears an anchor symbol, a characteristic of the standard armament used by the French fleet under Napoleon Bonaparte.
Archaeologists are now closely examining the cannon to better understand its origin and significance, though how it ended up in the river remains a mystery.
Napoleon’s influence on Antwerp is well documented. As a major port city, Antwerp played a crucial role in his military and economic strategies.
The cannon’s discovery serves as a tangible reminder of Napoleon’s presence and the profound impact he had on the region. Bart De Wever, the mayor of Antwerp, expressed his excitement about the find, referring to Napoleon as the “father of Antwerp’s renaissance.”
De Wever noted that while many of Napoleon’s initiatives were military in nature, they helped lay the foundations for the city’s growth as a key commercial and maritime hub.
“Napoleon’s vision for Antwerp was not just about military dominance but about transforming the city into a thriving metropolis, a gateway for continental Europe,” said Mayor De Wever. “His legacy is still visible in the city’s strategic importance today.”
The cannon’s presence in the river raises questions about the historical context in which it was lost or discarded.
It could have been part of a military operation during the Napoleonic Wars, a time when Antwerp was a focal point for French naval and military efforts aimed at breaking the British blockade of continental Europe.
Despite its uncertain fate, the cannon’s recovery adds another piece to the puzzle of Antwerp’s storied past during the Napoleonic era.
After its recovery, the cannon will undergo a careful cleaning and restoration process. Once fully restored, it is expected to be put on display, offering both locals and visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s military and historical heritage.
This discovery not only highlights the rich history beneath the River Scheldt but also underscores the importance of archaeological monitoring during modern construction projects.
As work continues on the Oosterweel project, further discoveries could shed more light on Antwerp’s complex and multi-layered history, making it a city where the past and present are continually intertwined.
