Archaeologists in the Drenthe town of Coevorden stumbled upon the ruins of former barracks which are thought to be up to 400 years old.
Translation by Traci White
RTV Drenthe reports that the barracks were uncovered at a construction site where residential units are planned to be built. Archaeologists were inspecting the site to determine if there were any historically significant ruins or artefacts before construction begins.
Janneke Hielkema told RTV Drenthe that the barracks were likely built between 1600 and 1700. The foundations of the structure on the site suggest that it was a military base that was roughly 80 meters long and consisted of a series of rooms for soldiers.
Jars and glasswork
A cesspit found on site also indicates that the cite was built sometime in the 17th century. Intact jars, decorated glassworks, fruit pits, walnuts and bones of small animals were found inside the pit, as well as a piece of parchment with legible text.
Excavation works at the site should be completed by next week. The municipality of Coevorden has expressed interest in exhibiting a number of the artefacts found on the site. Several notable archaeological discoveries have occurred in the north in the past few months: the prolonged drought across the nation revealed the remains of a medieval fortification in Noordlaren in Groningen, and a Viking-era ring, a Byzantine cross and intact urns were recently found in Groningen and Drenthe.
