Exploring Medieval Riches And Treasures Beneath Amsterdam’s Train Tunnels

The discovery of ancient treasures beneath cities sheds light on the history and culture of the people who lived there centuries or even millennia ago. It also offers a glimpse into the evolution of urbanization and the growth of cities over time.

The challenge here was creating Amsterdam’s North-South metro line, which took an extensive 15-year effort. This feat also threatened the preservation of centuries-old architecture located above its path.

​​Currently, at Rokin Station, visitors can witness the results of the clandestine efforts. These include a remarkable subterranean archaeological museum showcasing around 10,000 exhibited artifacts among the eight stops along the path.

The station itself is a remarkable sight and stands as a tribute not only to Amsterdam’s cultural legacy but also to the diligent efforts of the engineers and archaeologists who labored to conserve it.

The artifacts obtained through their hard work are exhibited in two glass cases positioned at opposite ends of the station between the escalators. It’s not unusual to witness commuters riding up and down the escalator just to catch a glimpse of them.

Over centuries, waterways have been used as sites for discarding unwanted items, leading to the accumulation of various objects. The Amstel around Rokin was no exception.

According to Kranendonk, “the construction process provided us with a rare chance to excavate under the city at a depth of 30 meters.” Remarkably, some of the oldest items discovered were mollusk shells dating back over 115,000 years.

The collection of artifacts showcased at Rokin Station has been categorized into different themes. In the northern section, the emphasis is on a diverse range of items, such as weapons, science, food, tech, sports, communications, clothing, and personal artifacts.

According to Kranendonk, some objects, such as coins over 500 years old, have a straightforward narrative associated with them. Additionally, he states that based on the discovery, it is possible to infer certain details about the purpose of the location.

In a particular area of Rokin, the discovery of several butchered animal bones led to the conclusion that there was a local slaughterhouse – likely around the 17th and 18th centuries. Similarly, a significant amount of furniture fittings in another location provided evidence of a furniture maker’s workshop in the region during the 1800s.

Kranendonk explained the unconventional excavation technique employed to uncover these artifacts. He mentioned that it deviated from the typical process of excavating at the commencement of the construction.

Digging up these artifacts was more difficult than usual. The archaeology team had an unfamiliar and unique experience while working in the caissons.

Kranendonk describes the excavation process as a unique and intriguing experience but also slightly terrifying. He notes that the compressed air inside the caissons increased as they descended deeper, creating a sensation akin to deep-sea diving.

To provide people with the opportunity to explore Rokin Display at their convenience, an online database featuring close to 20,000 objects has been established. The database offers comprehensive information about each item displayed in the glass cases below the surface.

Aside from the two archaeological displays, the walls alongside the tracks in Rokin Station are adorned with stone mosaics crafted by Gregory Gicquel and Daniel Dewar. Within these mosaics, 33 artifacts have been incorporated, including dice, a teapot, a pike, and a keyboard.

The North-South line has been regarded as one of the Netherlands’ most demanding infrastructure endeavors. Its grand opening in July 2018 was a momentous occasion.

Upon its completion, the North-South line provided connectivity between neighborhoods such as the northern suburbs, which were previously not connected by rail. It also provided access through the city center, eliminating the need for commuters to travel through the IJ Tunnel or cross the IJ by ferry.

The proposal for a North-South metro line in Amsterdam was met with resistance initially due to the traumatic memories of the construction of the city’s first metro, the East Line, in the 1970s. The project resulted in demolishing a significant part of the Nieuwmarktbuurt neighborhood, which sparked widespread anger and riots in 1975.

To achieve conservation during construction, a specific route was chosen, and new construction techniques were implemented, such as an adapted tunnel boring machine. This allowed for deep excavation into Amsterdam’s soft soil without affecting the structures above.

There was much relief around the fact that no casualties resulted from the incident. An evaluation by an external body was conducted, and the construction resumed in the summer of 2009, accompanied by restoration work on the historical buildings.

Though it faced obstacles during construction, the North-South Line has been running without any issues since its inauguration. The recognition the project has received, particularly for the artwork displayed at each of the line’s eight stations, was greatly appreciated by those involved.