Archeologists Uncover 15th Century Floor Partially Made of Animal Bones in a Pattern to Fill Gaps, Baffles Them

Today, builders use materials like cement to keep their flooring together. Architects from the medieval ages did not have this choice of material and instead used other methods. Archeologists uncovered one of these techniques while excavating the Dutch city of Alkmaar, The Jerusalem Post stated. The experts came across a 17th-century building on Achterdam Street whose old floor had specimens of animal bone. As per examinations, the floor dates back to the 15th Century and the metacarpal and metatarsal bones of cattle filled the gaps within it.

The building is in the city's red light district, Achterdam, according to the New York Post. The excavation was conducted by Heritage Alkmaar who claim that using bones on the floor is a rare technique of construction that has been seldom observed in certain parts of the European nation. According to experts, the bones were introduced into the flooring after it had been damaged for some reason. "[The old floor is] not so remarkable, but what is remarkable is that the tiles are gone in some places and that those places are filled with a floor made of bones," Heritage Alkmaar stated. This method of medieval floor repairing has to this date only been recorded in North Holland. Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Edam are the other cities where the unique style was noted. 

Archeologists were ecstatic to uncover such an uncommon arrangement in Alkmaar, stated Smithsonian Magazine. "We were very happy to have the opportunity to see this bone floor with our own eyes," says Nancy de Jong, an archeologist working at the site. "It is always a privilege to uncover something from the distant past and contribute new information to the history of Alkmaar." Archeologists found the floor after being invited to examine a medieval house set to go under renovation.

All the instances of cow bone floor found in Holland date back to the 15th Century. This fact astounded the experts as during the medieval ages tiles were cheap, and therefore there was no financial need to incorporate bones into the arrangement. Even with the perspective of repairing, it would have been much easier for builders to use bovine, keeping in mind factors like money and time. Hence, researchers feel that the use of bones could be connected to activities taking place inside the building. "The discovery of this floor is incredibly interesting," said Anjo van de Ven, an Alkmaar heritage councilor. "In the historical city center of Alkmaar, it is crucial to treat the soil carefully. There are still many hidden stories waiting to be uncovered."