Over 1,000 graves have been uncovered at the site of the medieval Abbey of the Dunes in Koksijde. The Cistercian abbey was the largest in Flanders, founded by the Count. In the 13th century, the community amounted up to 500 monks and lay brothers. The large number of well-preserved skeletons, found in one location and dating from a specific period (12th-16th centuries), is one of Northwest Europe’s largest collections of individuals.

The remains are now mainly kept at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels, where they are still being studied by physical anthropologists, medical examiners and students from all over the world. Unfortunately, incomplete excavation reports and gaps in the excavation archives complicate their interpretation and comparison with similar collections from our neighbouring countries.

A thorough analysis on the contents of the shrine of the Blessed Abbot Idesbald, held in Bruges, may be an important reference point in the research into the collection of individuals of the Abbey in Koksijde. The question is, however, to what extent interdisciplinary research into the best-documented individual, excavated in Koksijde, can fill in the gaps?

The 7th international colloquium highlights the latest research and scope with a focus on:

the broader approach of skeletons and their funerary context
the life of the dead, both community and individual

This new research is offering the means for an assessment, methodology and a broader study of medieval burial contexts

Programme : here

Informations pratiques :

October 21-23 2015 | Abdijhoeve
Ten Bogaerde | Koksijde

Abdijhoeve Ten Bogaerde
Ten Bogaerdelaan 12, 8670 Koksijde

Registration :
Abdijmuseum Ten Duinen
nadine.vanhove@koksijde.be
+32 (0) 58 53 39 51 – http://www.tenduinen.be

After registration you will receive the invoice.
Last date for registration: 15-10-2015

Poster sessions proposals :
Present your related project to other congress attendees!
Deadline application: 01 – 08 – 2015 › alexander.lehouck@koksijde

Source : Ten Duinen – Abdjimuseum Koksijde