Bernissart

Infobox Belgium Municipality
name=Bernissart
picture=Bernissart JPG01.jpg
picture-



map-
Hainaut
arms=CommunesBelgique-Bernissart2001.svg

---

region=BE-REG-WAL
community=BE-FR
province=BE-PROV-HT
arrondissement=Ath
nis=51009
pyramid-date=
0-19=
20-64=
65=
foreigners=
foreigners-date=
mayor=Roger Vanderstraeten
majority=PS
postal-codes=7320-7322
telephone-area=069
web= [http://www.bernissart.be/ www.bernissart.be]
lat_deg=50
lat_min=28
lon_deg=03
lon_min=38

Bernissart is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1 2006 Bernissart had a total population of 11,458. The total area is 43.42 km², which gives a population density of 264 inhabitants per km².

The "Iguanodon" mine

In 1878, dozens of "Iguanodon" skeletons were discovered in a coal mine, 322 m (1,050 ft) below the ground. Their proximity was the first proof that some dinosaurs were herd animals and, since some were preserved in their natural positions, they also proved that at least some dinosaurs were bipedal. They were mounted by Louis Dollo and set the standard that was followed for over a century. The skeletons are currently on display at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

External links

* " [http://www.lhl.lib.mo.us/events_exhib/exhibit/exhibits/dino/dol1884.htm 17. The Bernissart Iguanodons, 1884] ". Linda Hall Library. "Paper Dinosaurs, 1824–1969".
* [http://www.bernissart.be/ Official web site of Bernissart]