Archaeologists in Gieten have dug up a piece of history – literally. Pottery fragments from the Iron Age and Roman era have been unearthed, offering fresh proof that people have been calling this spot home for over 2,000 years.
The shards, likely used for cooking or storage, were found near what is now the village center, accompanied by clues of ancient human activity. Hans Veenstra, the project leader from De Steekproef, the archaeological firm running the dig, told RTV Drenthe that discolorations in the soil hint at long-lost structures like waste pits or postholes from prehistoric houses.
“If we spot a pattern, we might be looking at ancient homes,” Veenstra said, his enthusiasm evident.
The pottery, intriguingly, isn’t Roman but Germanic – crafted by a local group that lived in Drenthe during the same period.
From trenches to wells, the past still tells
While Gieten has had its share of archaeological finds, this discovery stands out for being so close to the modern heart of the village. “There’s a good chance we’re peeling back the layers of prehistoric Gieten,” Veenstra remarked.
The excavation has also turned up 17th- and 18th-century trenches and a possible water well, adding to the story of the village’s medieval roots. However, the news that people lived here long before that is the true headline.
“We knew we’d find something – the layout of the streets hasn’t changed much for centuries,” Veenstra said. “But learning this spot has been a prime address for thousands of years? That’s a pleasant surprise!”
Gieten: Where history meets housing development
The dig is taking place behind a 200-year-old farmhouse on Asserstraat, where housing association De Volmacht plans to build 33 homes. Despite the exciting discoveries, construction is still on track to begin in 2025, De Volmacht’s director Jaap Boekholt confirmed.
As the excavation continues over the coming weeks, the team hopes to uncover even more from Gieten’s ancient past. With any luck, they might even pinpoint the exact spots where prehistoric people once lived and thrived.
For now, though, Gieten can proudly add “2,000 years of history” to its village credentials. Who knew this quiet corner of Drenthe had such a story to tell?
Image: Screengrab RTV Drenthe
