Amsterdam subway accidentally unearths medieval treasures
Archaeologists accidentally unearthed medieval treasures underground while building the Amsterdam metro line. Photo: Monuments & Archaeology Department City of AmsterdamScientists have long confirmed that the Earth was formed on four layers of rocks including minerals and magma deposited over millions of years.
However, the discoveries during the construction of the underground Amsterdam (Netherlands) subway line accidentally gave researchers a different perspective on history.
During the construction of a subway train connecting the North and South of the Netherlands under the foundation of the ancient city of Amsterdam, amazing historical sites were unearthed. After the hard work of sifting the soft mud of archaeologists, an underground civilization has been recreated.
Rokin station – one of 8 stops on the Amsterdam metro – is displaying 10,000 medieval artifacts found during construction. Numerous rare 17th-19th century artifacts have been unearthed including 115,000-year-old seashells and ancient mobile phones.
More than 10,000 artifacts have been restored and displayed at Rockin train station. Photo: Amsterdam Department of Monuments and Archeology
At another site in the Amsterdam metro line, scientists found many small broken animal bones suggesting the existence of a nearby slaughterhouse. The numerous interior accessories also confirm the presence of a homewares store in the last century.
Hoite Detmar, Amsterdam Metro Project Manager since 2016 said: “Prior to the excavation of these artifacts, the city had only one archaeological archive that gathered around 70,000 artifacts. And to our surprise, we found 10 times the number during the construction of the North-South train line.”
Researchers have had a different view of the history of the old city of Amsterdam. Photo: Amsterdam Department of Monuments and Archeology
Peter Kranendonk, one of the two senior archaeologists leading the excavation in the Amsterdam metro project, said: “The number of artifacts that we unearthed in the project is extremely large. The construction of the North-South train line gave archaeologists a unique opportunity to excavate below the city at a depth of 30 meters. The oldest artifacts found are shells dating back more than 115,000 years ago.
The antiques on display at Rokin station are organized into various themes. The focus of the north display is on topics related to food, science and technology, weapons, games, personal artifacts, and clothing. Meanwhile, the southern display includes architectural antiquities, interiors, vehicles, as well as handicrafts. All of these artifacts provide insight into Amsterdam’s glorious and sometimes unknown past.
Archaeologist Kranendonk said: “Some artifacts, such as 500-year-old coins, always have a direct story behind them that science cannot explain. Based on the findings, we can also learn more about the past of the area as well as the historical imprints that were hidden deep under the rock.”
The Amsterdam metro line has inadvertently brought unprecedented historical value to the Dutch capital. Photo: Amsterdam Department of Monuments and Archeology
Hailed as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Netherlands, the Amsterdam metro line is 9.6km long – of which 7.2km runs beneath the historic city centre. Immediately after its opening, an estimated 120,000 passengers used the North-South train line every day.