Archaeologists discover ancient bone floor in Alkmaar
During an excavation in the center of Alkmaar, archaeologists uncovered a rare and mysterious floor made partly from animal bones. The find, located in a building on Achterdam Street, has left experts intrigued, as it is the latest example of a floor type seldom found, even in the province of Noord-Holland. The discovery consists of mid-hand and mid-foot bones from cattle, arranged in a pattern to fill gaps in an old tile floor.
The unusual discovery was made during a renovation project, where archaeologists were granted access to inspect the site. They quickly encountered what appeared to be the remains of an old tiled floor, which had been partially filled in with bones. The bones were all carefully cut to the same height, with some placed with their tops facing up and others with their flat, cut sides facing upward, forming a discernible pattern.
"We were very happy to have the opportunity to see this bone floor with our own eyes," said Nancy de Jong, an archaeologist working on the project. "It is always a privilege to uncover something from the distant past and contribute new information to the history of Alkmaar."
This type of bone floor has rarely been found, with previous examples located in Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Edam, all in the northern part of the country. The floor is likely from the 15th century, though the specific timeline of its installation is still under investigation. The building currently on the site dates back to around 1609, leading some experts to suggest that it may have been constructed on the foundations of an older building, a common practice at the time.
The reason for the use of animal bones in the floor remains unclear. Archaeologists speculate that the bones may have been chosen for a specific reason, possibly related to the trades or activities carried out in the building at the time. However, it is also possible that the bones were used as a cheap way to fill in the gaps where tiles were missing.
"The floor tiles were worn down from intense use, and it is possible that the bones were placed there either for practical or symbolic reasons," De Jong said. "They may have fit well with the craft being practiced in this space, or they could have been an inexpensive way to complete the floor."
In the coming weeks, archaeologists will continue to study the site to determine the full extent of the floor and whether further analysis of the bones can shed light on their purpose. The city’s heritage officials are also keen to learn more about the discovery and its potential historical significance.
Anjo van de Ven, the local heritage councilor, expressed excitement over the find. "The discovery of this floor is incredibly interesting. The work of our archaeologists is incredibly important, and I'm thrilled that they are regularly able to be involved in projects like this," Van de Ven said. "In the historical city center of Alkmaar, it is crucial to treat the soil carefully. There are still many hidden stories waiting to be uncovered."
