Facts and Data
Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
La ville de Mons (french only)
Le minières de silex néolithique des Spiennes à Mons (french only)
Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2000
Size of heritage: 172 ha
Coordinates:
Longitude: 3,979°
Latitude: 50,431°
Summary
The Neolithic flint mines at Spiennes, covering more than 100 ha, are the largest and earliest concentration of ancient mines in Europe. They are also remarkable for the diversity of technological solutions used for extraction and for the fact that they are directly linked to a settlement of the same period.
Location on Map
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Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)
The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes, located in the Province of Hainaut in the Wallonia Region of Belgium, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This archaeological site is renowned for its exceptional prehistoric flint mining complex, which dates back to the Neolithic period, around 4,000 to 2,000 BC.
History
The flint mines at Spiennes were first discovered in the mid-19th century, and systematic excavations began in the early 20th century. The site covers an area of about 100 hectares and consists of numerous underground mineshafts and surface workshops. The flint extracted from these mines was highly valued during the Neolithic period for its quality and was used to produce tools and weapons.
The mining techniques employed at Spiennes were highly advanced for their time. The miners used a technique known as "quarrying," which involved the extraction of flint from the ground by creating large underground galleries. These galleries were dug using antler picks and wooden shovels, and the flint was then extracted by breaking it away from the surrounding rock. The miners also created a complex system of ventilation shafts to ensure a constant supply of fresh air underground.
The flint mines at Spiennes were in operation for over 1,000 years and played a significant role in the economic and cultural development of the region during the Neolithic period. The flint extracted from these mines was traded over long distances, reaching as far as the British Isles and Scandinavia. The site also provides valuable insights into the social organization and technological capabilities of Neolithic societies.
Current State
Today, the Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes are a well-preserved archaeological site that offers a unique glimpse into the prehistoric mining industry. The site is managed by the Archaeological Service of the Province of Hainaut and is open to the public.
Visitors to the site can explore the underground mineshafts and surface workshops, which have been carefully restored and reconstructed. The site also features an interpretive center that provides information about the history and significance of the flint mines. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to learn about the mining techniques used by the Neolithic miners and the cultural context in which they operated.
The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. This designation highlights the exceptional universal value of the site and its importance in understanding the development of human societies during the Neolithic period. The site serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors and provides valuable insights into the technological advancements of prehistoric civilizations.
Preserving and promoting the Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes is crucial for ensuring the continued appreciation and understanding of our shared cultural heritage. By visiting this remarkable site, visitors can connect with the past and gain a deeper appreciation for the achievements of our ancestors.
Hotels and places to stay
Dream Hotel
HOTEL LIDO **** Mons Centre
Congres Hotel Mons Van der Valk
St James
ibis Mons Centre Gare
Monte Cristo
Utopia hotel
Hotel & Aparthotel Casteau Resort
Le Terminus
Appart Hôtel Saint Georges
Videos from the area
MONS / Hyon - Tanks in town 2011 - Color
Tanks in town is a unique «world wide» event in commemoration of the liberation of the city of Mons, Belgium. Since 1999 the « Royal Mons Auto Moto Club » organizes an important concentration...
Mons: Tanks in town 2014 part 3
L'attaque d'une position allemande près de Mesvin.
Blue Bossa - Jeunesses Musicales Hyon 2009
Blue Bossa au jeunesse musicales de Hyon en 2009, par Jérémy et Julien! Blue Bossa est un classique de la musique Jazz, et c'est évidemment une Bossa. C'est un spectacle de fin d'année,...
Spiennes 4000 BC Neolothic flint mines PRECOMP. SEQ.
Creating the storyboard, modeling lighting texturing, animating environment and props in order to create a video for the Spiennes Neolithic flint mines Museum (Unesco site). Performed extensive...
TANKS IN TOWN 2009 /The Battel /Die Schlacht
TANKS IN TOWN /The Battel /Die Schlacht in Déploiement char champ Mesvin.
Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners. 
Maubeuge-Élesmes AirportMedium airport - 9 mi (14 km)
Brussels South Charleroi AirportMedium airport - 21 mi (34 km)
Valenciennes-Denain AirportMedium airport - 24 mi (39 km)
Suarlée AirportSmall airport - 35 mi (57 km)
Brussels AirportLarge airport - 39 mi (64 km)
Lille-Lesquin AirportMedium airport - 40 mi (65 km)
Wevelgem AirportMedium airport - 43 mi (70 km)
Antwerp International Airport (Deurne)Medium airport - 56 mi (91 km)
Liège AirportLarge airport - 66 mi (107 km)
Maastricht Aachen AirportLarge airport - 85 mi (138 km)
Eindhoven AirportLarge airport - 93 mi (150 km)
Charles de Gaulle International AirportLarge airport - 117 mi (189 km)
Bigger and popular cities in the wider vicinity are these:
- Avesnes-sur-Helpe
- Brussels
- Cambrai
- Charleville-Mezieres
- Chasse Royale
- Chastre
- Dendermonde
- Eeklo
- Enghien
- Frasnes-lez-Anvaing
- Heist-op-den-Berg
- Lennik
- Mouscron
- Oudenaarde
- Philippeville
- Saint-Quentin
- Sint-Niklaas
- Tielt
- Tournai
- Valenciennes
- Vervins
These are some smaller cities that might be interesting. They are all rather close.