On December 11, 2008, the first version of the chapter ‘Roman period’ of the Archaeological Research Balance (1.0) was published online. This instrument aimed to provide a dynamic overview of archaeological research into this period, which would be continuously supplemented with new data.

However, updates have been lacking, and has now become an urgent necessity. Over the past 15 years, there has been tremendous growth in archaeological research in preventive archaeology. This has yielded a large amount of research data, but a comprehensive overview is currently lacking.

An up-to-date version of the Research Inventory is necessary, as it provides the broad framework for archaeological research and heritage policy in Flanders. Each preventive study must be contextualized within its regional and chronological context. An updated research balance is an essential resource for this purpose, avoiding the need for project executors to create their own synthesis for each project at the expense of the client.

The research balance also serves as the framework for assessing the potential for knowledge gain, an important factor in evaluating the relevance and necessity of archaeological research. This assessment is continuously made in preventive archaeology, for example, by project executors at the individual project level. However, an up-to-date research balance is also essential at the policy level, for evaluating and adjusting regulations, and for selecting archaeological zones and sites worthy of protection.

This project involves the preparation of a comprehensive update of the chapter ‘Roman period’ in the Archaeological Research Inventory. According to the Flanders Heritage Thesaurus, the period is defined as between 56 BC and 476 AD. Spatially, the current administrative delineation of Flanders forms the framework. Additionally, the following specific items will be provided:

A list of known sites that qualify for designation as archaeological zones based on substantive grounds.

A list of known sites that qualify for protection as archaeological sites based on substantive grounds.

An exhaustive list of current research questions, usable directly for further research, primarily for research in the preventive trajectory, according to the current state of research.