Skeletons found from centuries-old Dutch war with Spain

By Janene Pieters on Thursday, 7 February 2019 - 15:10
Archaeology
Archaeology Photo: microgen/DepositPhotos

Three skeletons were found during archeological excavations in Den Bosch. The skeletons are believed to be soldiers who died during the siege of the city in the Eighty Years' War in the 17th century. Two skeletons were excavated during the past few days. The third skeleton is in the process of being excavated on Thursday, NOS reports.

The soldiers likely formed part of the army of Frederik Hendrik, who besieged Den Bosch in 1629. 's-Hertogenbosch was in the hands of the Spaniards at the time. The city was seen as an almost impregnable fortress, because the surrounding areas were flooded.

Between April and September 1629, Frederik Hendrik succeeded in surrounding and besieging the city by laying a line of dikes, mills and pumping stations, with which he pumped the water away. The capture of Den Bosch is considered the greatest victor of Frederik Hendrik and his young Republic.  

The skeletons were found at the Isabellaveld in Vught, where there used to be a Spanish fort. Houses are now being built on the field. Traces of lead were found on one skeleton, indicating that this person was shot to death. The archeologists also found weapons, hundreds of lead musket bullets and the remains of trenches and cart tracks.

While victims of the Eighty Years' War are often found during excavations, this is the first time that it happened in Den Bosch. 

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