Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery during renovation work on a building on Achterdam Street, located in the historic center of Alkmaar, North Holland, Netherlands. They uncovered part of a floor composed of animal bones, marking it as one of the rare instances of this type of finding, specific to the region.
The discovery was made by municipal archaeologists, who, as part of their work, were granted access to the site as renovations unfolded. Upon examination, they found remnants of what appeared to be an ancient tiled floor with missing tiles, which had been creatively filled with bones. Specifically, the bones belonged to the metacarpals and metatarsals of cattle, all of which had been carefully cut to the same height and arranged methodically to create discernible patterns.
Nancy de Jong, representing the archaeology team, expressed her excitement at the find: “We were very happy to get the chance to see this bone floor with our own eyes. Every time, it remains a privilege to discover something from a bygone era and add new information to the history of Alkmaar.” The completion of this floor likely dates back to the 15th century, prior to the construction of the existing building around 1609, inciting curiosity among experts about its historical purpose.
The use of animal bones to create flooring has caught the attention of archaeologists, as they ponder the practicalities behind such choices. According to de Jong, it’s not just the oddity of the finding but the pattern and presentation of the bones—some facing upwards, others from the cut side—that suggest intentionality rather than mere coincidence. This bond between the bone and tile shows the resourcefulness of those from centuries past.
This carpet of bones is not entirely unique to Alkmaar. Bone floors have also been discovered previously in cities like Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Edam, all located within North Holland, where similar methods seem to have been used to repair or replace damaged flooring. Yet, the significance of this find lies not just within its rarity but also within its story of past life. The precise reason for utilizing bones remains unknown, but some archaeologists speculate it could have ties to trades linked to the site or simply served as cost-effective solutions to address missing tiles.
“The discovery of this floor is incredibly interesting. The work of our archaeologists is incredibly important, and I’m thrilled they are regularly able to be involved in projects like this,” remarked Anjo Van de Ven, the local heritage councilor. “The historical city center of Alkmaar holds immense value, and we must treat the soil with care as there are still many hidden stories waiting to be uncovered.”
Further examinations will take place over the next few weeks, allowing the team to ascertain the full extent of the bone floor and examine if there are markers or wear on the bones themselves, potentially providing insights about their history and usage. This aspect of urban archaeology continually opens doors to hidden tales, re-connecting the community with its past experiences and rituals.
Every discovery unravels the narrative of those who lived long before, showcasing the richness of urban history sustained beneath the modernized surroundings. Alkmaar's ancient floor reminds us of the delicate balance between preserving history and paving way for modernity. It serves both as evidence of past practices and as inspiration for subsequent generations seeking to understand the lives previously lived on these very streets.
This discovery highlights the important role of urban archaeologists amid routine renovations, proving how even the most mundane changes can lead to significant realizations about local heritage and contribute to our collective history.
