Historic Roman bucket stolen in Ypres

A unique Roman bucket, which was just discovered last week by archaeologists in West Flanders, has disappeared and is presumed stolen. Archaeologists have launched a call to bring back the heritage object.

Beginning last week, a team of archaeologists have been digging into the remains of a rich Roman settlement that was discovered in Ypres. The site earlier yielded well-preserved trenches from the First World War.

In a well four metres deep, they discovered the bucket, once used to bring up water. The completely preserved wooden pail dates from the first century. The team was working to carefully remove it, but it disappeared overnight.

“The enthusiasm of the archaeologists turned into a nightmare the next morning, when the bucket had disappeared,” writes Archeo7, the inter-municipal archaeological service in the southern Westhoek.

Evidence suggests that someone dug out the bucket, which is threatened to fall apart if it is not treated by experts, now that it is exposed to the air for the first time in almost 2,000 years. “The bucket is a unique find in the southern Westhoek and can be a highlight in the future city museum of Ypres,” declared Archeo7.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 0473 46 01 78 or email archeologie@co7.be. The bucket can be returned to Ypres city hall, to Archeo7 in Kemmel or to the West Flanders Intermunicipal Association in Bruges.