Archaeological treasure

Many archaeological studies were conducted on the nearly intact island after it became part of the Noordoostpolder (reclaimed land). An important part of (pre)history was uncovered, with many discoveries dating back to various periods of the Neolithic (New Stone Age) and Middle Ages to well into the 19th century. The oldest remnants go back some 10,000 years.

The island’s dyke history could be deduced and derived from the micro-relief in the new soil around the island and from palings and pile remnants. Test trenches in the mounds also produced data pertaining to growth, size and dating of the mounds, as well as information on the materials used. Traces of over 165 medieval and more recent dwelling mounds have also been found. The history of the island’s former inhabitants came to light by exposing foundations and other traces of floor plans of houses and other structures, and of a church in Ens dating from around 1300. In addition, numerous graves containing human remains were examined in several former cemeteries. So Schokland’s soil holds a wealth of archaeological treasures.