Renovation work at a structure in the Netherlands has resulted in a chilling find—a centuries-old tile floor partially covered with cut-up bones.
The remains are not human; instead, they belong to numerous cattle.
The finding, which has baffled archaeologists, was discovered in Alkmaar, a city in the Netherlands renowned for its
traditional cheese market
.
Archaeologists were brought in when an early 17th-century structure in the city’s nightlife area was being renovated, as stated in the translation.
statement
From the town of Alkmaar, they discovered that the ceramic tile flooring had suffered extensive wear because of heavy usage. Additionally, a hole in the ground was patched up using cow limb bones. These particular bones were identified as metatarsals and metacarpals, which correspond to foot and hand bones in humans but serve as parts of the lower legs and ankles in cattle.
“The opportunity to witness this bone flooring firsthand brought us great joy,” stated the Alkmaar city archaeologist.
Nancy de Jong
stated in the announcement, “Having the opportunity to reveal artifacts from an era long past and contribute fresh insights to Alkmaar’s historical narrative is always a privilege.”
Related:
A 1,500-year-old Anglo-Saxon burial site contains a ‘distinctive’ puzzle — a Roman chalice previously used for pig fat.
At present, it remains uncertain when this bone floor was constructed. However, comparable instances discovered in the Dutch ports of Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Edam date back to the 15th century, as stated in the report.
Researchers are also unsure why chopped-up cattle bones were used in the floor, since tiles were not expensive at the time. It’s possible that the bones were placed there for a particular reason, according to the statement, which was potentially related to whatever business was operating out of the building.
Alkmaar is the hometown of the
Dutch Cheese Museum
Moreover, its rich history in cheese trading dates back to at least 1365, with the earliest recorded reference to its cheese market appearing in 1408. During its peak importance in the 17th century, Alkmaar exported vast quantities of cheese—millions of pounds—to various parts of Europe and even reached markets in North America and the West Indies. However, it remains unclear whether the cow bones embedded in the floor have any connection to this enduring dairy legacy.
Uncovering this level is remarkably fascinating,
Anjo van de Ven
The councillor responsible for heritage stated in the announcement, “ numerous untold narratives remain concealed and await discovery by our group of archaeologists.”
The excavation team plans further exploration of what they’re calling the “bone floor,” aiming to understand its size and purpose, as stated in their announcement.
