The netherlands: probing into the submerged prehistoric archaeology, landscapes and palaeontology of the dutch continental shelf

Abstract

The Dutch sector of the North Sea is an important source for archaeological and palaeolandscape data from prehistoric times. A vast body of artefacts and palaeontological remains, dating from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic, has been dredged and trawled from the seafloor. Contacts with industry, and fishermen in particular, permitted private collectors and professionals to assemble valuable collections for research. Although the overwhelming majority of finds derive from unknown contexts, these are of scientific importance. Firstly, they demonstrate the potential for the presence of well-preserved submerged archaeological sites and palaeolandscape contexts. Secondly, there is a lot of ‘intrinsic’ information that can be extracted from individual specimens, notably for radiocarbon dating, diet reconstruction (stable isotopes) and aDNA. Work in recent years has been increasingly concerned with the contextualisation of these data. Geoarchaeological investigations off the Dutch coast have permitted insight into the stratigraphical origin of Middle Palaeolithic flint artefacts, and the fragment of a Neanderthal skull. Targeted geoarchaeological research in the extension of the Rotterdam harbour has provided an opportunity to partially investigate a Mesolithic site at 20 m below sea level. This has led to increasing awareness among stakeholders that this submerged heritage is valuable and needs to be taken care of. Several initiatives have been taken to anticipate the potential presence of important archaeological and palaeolandscape remains in zones of economic interest.