Dutch archaeologists recently discovered a gruesome, centuries-old site made up of animal bones in an unusual location.
The acquisition was announced on Dec. 13 is Heritage Alkmaar, an antiquities organization within the municipality of Alkmaar in North Holland. The floor was discovered in a 16th century building in Achterdam, the red light district of Alkmaar.
While the house was built around 1609, Heritage Alkmaar said it believes the site may be even older – perhaps an earlier foundation built in the 15th century. In a Facebook post translated from Dutch to English, the organization explained that the bone floor surprised archaeologists.
“[The old floor is] it is not so remarkable, but what is remarkable is that the tiles are gone in some places and that those places are filled with floors made of bones,” writes Heritage Alkmaar.
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Dutch archaeologists have recently come across a strange 16th century floor made of animal bones. (Erfgoed Alkmaar via Facebook)
Officials say all the lower bones come from cows. Prior to this discovery, floors made of animal bones had only been found in the Dutch cities of Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Edam.
“This type of floor is rarely found, and so far only in North Holland,” said the archaeological association. “So [this is] a very special discovery.”
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The floor may date back 600 years, Dutch archaeologists believe, and contains cattle bones. (Erfgoed Alkmaar via Facebook)
Heritage Alkmaar also noted that the lower bones were cut to “exactly the same length.”
“It appears that the bones were simply used to fill the holes in the ground, however there appears to be a pattern,” the organization added.
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A bone floor was found in a 16th century house in a red light district. (Erfgoed Alkmaar via Facebook)
“On one plane there are bones with the top side up, and on the other plane there is a saw under the bone.”
In a statement, archaeologist Nancy de Jong said she was “excited” to see this archaeological discovery.
The ground bones were meant to be filled, officials said. (Erfgoed Alkmaar via Facebook)
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“It’s always a privilege to reveal something old and add new information to the history of Alkmaar,” he said.
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