Archaeologists Unearth 15th-Century Bone Floor in Alkmaar, Netherlands!

In a captivating turn of events, archaeologists in Alkmaar, Netherlands, have uncovered a peculiar piece of history—a 15th-century floor partially constructed using animal bones. The discovery was made during renovation works in the Achterdam district, situated in the heart of the city’s historic centre.

Photo Credit: Municipality of Alkmaar archaeology team

A Rare and Unusual Find

The municipal archaeology team found a worn tiled floor interspersed with carefully cut metacarpal and metatarsal cattle bones. Each bone had been precisely sawn to the same height and meticulously placed with either the upper end or the cut surface facing upward. These bones appear to have been used to fill gaps in the tiled floor, but their exact purpose—whether functional, symbolic, or otherwise—remains a mystery.

“This is a rare and remarkable find,” said Nancy de Jong, a representative of Alkmaar’s Archaeology Team. “It’s always a privilege to uncover remnants of a bygone era and add new layers to the historical narrative of our city.”

Although similar bone floors have been discovered in other Dutch cities, such as Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Edam, they are exceedingly rare. The design of the Alkmaar floor is strikingly similar to that found in Hoorn, where tiles and bones were also arranged in a patterned layout.

Photo Credit: Municipality of Alkmaar archaeology team

A Glimpse into the Past

The current building at the site dates to 1609, but the archaeologists believe the bone floor predates it, possibly originating in the 15th century. This suggests that the existing structure was likely built atop older foundations, a common practice during that time.

The discovery raises intriguing questions. Why use bones in flooring when tiles were relatively affordable and widely available? Researchers have proposed that the bones may have served a practical purpose, such as providing a cost-effective way to complete a floor. Alternatively, the bones may have held symbolic or trade-related significance tied to the building’s function.

“The tiled floor shows significant wear from prolonged use,” explained de Jong. “Incorporating bones could have been a budget-friendly solution, or it might have reflected something about the trade or activities conducted in the space.”

What’s Next?

The archaeological team plans to conduct further research to uncover the full extent of the bone floor and explore its potential uses. They will also investigate whether similar practices occurred in other parts of the Netherlands.

Anjo van de Ven, Alkmaar’s councilor for heritage, expressed her enthusiasm about the find: “This discovery is absolutely fascinating. There are so many hidden stories beneath our city, waiting to be revealed. I’m always eager to hear about the latest finds from our archaeology team.”

This remarkable discovery highlights the richness of Alkmaar’s history and serves as a reminder of the hidden stories that lie just beneath our feet, waiting to be uncovered.