Animal and man in Holland's past. An investigation of the animal world surrounding man in prehistoric and early historical times in the provinces of North and South Holland

Abstract

(p. 3)

In the years after World War II the population in the western part of the Netherlands has increased steadily, quickest in the provinces of North and South Holland. The result of this increasing population is a rapidly growing urban agglomeration, the so-called "Randstad Holland".

Laying deep foundations brings to light many well preserved archaeological finds, which often lie below present mean sea level (N.A.P.). For the construction of roads through the area much sand is needed, and part of the former coastal barriers are used as sand quarries or leveled for the foundations of factories.

Furthermore the supply of fresh water is very important and the town of Amsterdam constructed large waterworks in the dune area near Bloemendaal to be certain of a regular fresh water supply. Here too archaeological finds are made but as the material is found above the present water-mark the conservation is not as good as in the former cases.

The bone material which was found in settlements dating from the Late Eneolithic to the Middle Ages and in barrows dating from the Bronze Age and Iron Age will be treated in this study.