Skeletons from Eighty Years' War found at Den Bosch, Netherlands

Three skeletons were found during archaeological excavations in Den Bosch. The skeletons are believed to be soldiers who died during the siege of the city in the Eighty Years' War in the 17th century. Two skeletons were excavated during the past few days. The third skeleton is in the process of being excavated on Thursday, NOS reports.

Credit: NOS/Trudy van Rijswijk

The soldiers likely formed part of the army of Frederik Hendrik, who besieged Den Bosch in 1629's - Hertogenbosch was in the hands of the Spaniards at the time. The city was seen as an almost impregnable fortress, because the surrounding areas were flooded.

Credit: © Roy Lazet

Between April and September 1629, Frederik Hendrik succeeded in surrounding and besieging the city by laying a line of dikes, mills and pumping stations, with which he pumped the water away. The capture of Den Bosch is considered the greatest victor of Frederik Hendrik and his young Republic.

Credit: NOS/Trudy van Rijswijk

The skeletons were found at the Isabellaveld in Vught, where there used to be a Spanish fort. Houses are now being built on the field. Traces of lead were found on one skeleton, indicating that this person was shot to death. The archaeologists also found weapons, hundreds of lead musket bullets and the remains of trenches and cart tracks.

Credit: NOS/Trudy van Rijswijk

While victims of the Eighty Years' War are often found during excavations, this is the first time that it happened in Den Bosch.

Author: Janene Pieters | Source: NLTimes [February 08, 2019]