A wonderful collection of underwater findings
In the early 2000’s, a new metro line was being created in Amsterdam. The new line was excavated along the banks of the Amstel River. That, presented a rare opportunity to archeologists. To explore the full spectrum of objects fallen in the water through the years. A staggering 700,000 objects were found, of which 19,000 were uploaded to Below the Surface. A website created by the Department of Archeology; MenA (Monuments and Archeology), the City of Amsterdam and their Chief Technology Officer.
At belowthesurface.amsterdam there is an introduction about the archaeological project of the North/South metro line
“Urban histories can be told in a thousand ways. The archaeological research project of the North/South metro line lends the River Amstel a voice in the historical portrayal of Amsterdam. The Amstel was once the vital artery, the central axis, of the city. Along the banks of the Amstel, at its mouth in the IJ, a small trading port originated about 800 years ago. At Damrak and Rokin in the city centre, archaeologists had a chance to physically access the riverbed, thanks to the excavations for the massive infrastructure project of the North/South metro line between 2003 and 2012.”
Here are some wonderful pictures, showing findings from the excavations.