The excavations carried out from 2022 to 2024 in the crypt located in the basement of the Quadrilateral as part of the requalification work on this architectural work by André Hermant begun in 2020, aims to promote the archaeological remains and this space whose unprecedented opening to the public is scheduled for April 2025, jointly with that of the contemporary art center (the Quadrilateral). A building that will accommodate the new Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center of the City of Art and History label with a service area opening onto a boutique café and a terrace. Mediation will be reinforced with multidisciplinary teams specializing in contemporary art, heritage, and archeology in the crypt.
Notable discoveries from the 3rd century
This latest excavation site carried out in the Crypt allowed new discoveries while relying on old operations carried out in 1966 to 1969 then from 1970 to 1976 under Pierre Leman. Research mainly focused on the most remarkable of them: an exedra, double semi-circular masonry from the beginning of the 3rd century and signs of occupation from the Carolingian era.
If Pierre Leman gave this monumental ornament of 12.20m by 5.60m a first interpretation of ancient forumthis will probably be re-discussed over the next two years to arrive at a true synthesis of this new session of excavations which made it possible to reveal in particular a gallery as well as a colonnade to create a new monumental ensemble with Carolingian latrines. As well as furniture like the representation of the goddess Epona and ceramics from the Carolingian era.
In the Crypt, 7 witnesses of theGallo-Roman and Carolingian architecture revealed during previous operations as well as blocks revealed in 1968. A model of the crypt was made to show the evolution of advances since Pierre Leman.
Bellovaque ceramics from the Gallic era
The excavations carried out in the town of Beauvais in parallel with the urban works were not as conclusive as hoped. Rue de Calaisnear the Gréber houseonly a ditch from the antiquity of the 2nd 3rd century was discovered. Same disappointment in the rue Villebois Mareuilnear the Mount Capron (behind the Felix Faure High School), where only another drainage ditch and a large material extraction pit were spotted instead of successfully locating the famous Gallo-Roman temple.
Diagnostics of the excavations carried out in the economic zones to the north-northwest of the city, in particular Novapark and the future Zac des Mathurinsas well as on the rural path from Ruelle au Four and Tilloy excavated in 1998, made it possible to bring back mainly ceramics or shards Bellovaques from the Gallic period.
The pieces from these excavations are carefully classified and computerized to be kept in plastic bins mainly on the first floor of the Argentina Water Tower currently being redeveloped. A building with 5 floors and more than 300 steps, which has had an elevator broken since 2019.
No notable discoveries either during the construction site in the heart of the city if not the remains of ancient way rue Saint Pierre. Excavations made difficult by the new mode of suction earthworks. Under the pedestrian paths, only 18th century cellars and garden areas were spotted.
A 2nd escape game in 2025
The opportunity to recall the major events carried out during the year by the archaeological service as part of its multiple activities and missions of scientific promotion and popularization including the great success of first escape game within the framework of heritage days which will be renewed in 2025, the publication of a archaeological review of Laurianne Mielle “The sandstones of the village of Savignies (Beauvais Oise).” and the creation of a SAM Facebook site (Municipal Archaeological Service) which makes it possible to monitor the activities of the service in real time.
