Cases

For the development of the new Almere Oosterwold district, the Municipality of Almere wanted to understand the risk of finding archaeological remains at an early stage in the project.

EARTH inspected 200 hectares of land using mechanical drilling research and executed various soil analyses.

Thanks to the multidisciplinary approach of EARTH, the archaeological sites have been mapped without having to dig. The research also provided insight into the development of the climate and environment of Flevoland.

Watch our film “Making the invisible visible”

Client: Almere Municipality

Commissioned by the Municipality of Cuijk, archaeological supervision was carried out during the construction of a new sewer in the Grotestraat.

EARTH uncovered part of the Roman settlement within a short period of time.

The results of the research offered unique insights into the use of roads in the Netherlands in Roman times. The research created a lot of positive publicity and added value for the Municipality of Cuijk.

Watch our film “Opgraving Romeinse weg, Grotestraat Cuijk”

Client: Cuijk Municipality

Commissioned by project developer SOM, an archaeological excavation was carried out for the construction of new homes.

EARTH excavated an entire yard from the Full Middle Ages in just two weeks!

Thanks to good coordination with the Municipality of Epe and the quick follow-through by EARTH after the initial test trench investigation – the project was delivered on time. The results also make a valuable contribution to the history of Epe.

Client: Bel BV

The aim of this study was for EARTH to collect as much data as possible on the site in Almere Poort which will be used by ‘Nederlandstraat’. In particular, this included information concerning the nature of “the Geest ”site; the dating and the physical and scientific characteristics.

Methods used include auger and Begemann drilling. Additional specialist research has also taken place (pollen analysis, micromorphology and dating).

Client: Municipality of Almere, Department of Urban Development

Due to expansion of the Elandtocht, EARTH has examined whether archaeological remains are present in the area.

Used methods: Analysis of cores drilled both mechanically and by hand. This data may provide evidence of archaeological indicators and will give insights into the soil structure.

Client: ProRail, projectcentrum Hanzelijn

Within this project, EARTH investigated the degree of depravation and conservation of an archaeological site. Due to changing water levels (caused by underflowing of a sheet pile tub), Almere Municipality were anxious that the site had degenerated. Our investigation concluded for them that the archaeological site was in good order and still intact.

Methods used: High precision core drilling, samples were taken for pollen, micromorphology and dating.

Client: Nuon Power Generation BV

Commissioned by the Municipality of The Hague, research was conducted into building materials from the Roman times. The research goal was to identify their origin and use.

EARTH used experienced specialists and innovative techniques such as XRF and SEM to solve these specific questions.

Through a different way of looking and thinking, we gain a good insight into the logistics and organisation of the Roman construction world in the Netherlands.

Watch our film “Ceramic Building Material”

Client: The Hague Municipality

For the first time in Belgium archeo-parasitological and botanical research has been conducted in a cemetery.

EARTH has been given the unique opportunity to analyse grave soils for the remains of plants given to the deceased.

Soil from specific areas around the pelvis from several selected individuals was also investigated.

The gastrointestinal tracts of the deceased were no longer present, but parasites (such as eggs of whipworm and roundworm) were found in the soil, along with pollen grains and seeds. In addition, the leftovers of meals consumed were recovered from the tartar which was still firmly stuck to the teeth.

This analysis demonstrates how the soil surrounding burials can provide excellent opportunities for research on nutrition, hygiene, health and burial culture.

The research has led to a refinement in sampling strategies and provides an early mapping of parasitological residues in Belgian and Dutch soil.

Used methods: Sieving, (zinc sulfate) flotation, pollen analysis, tartar analysis, microscopy.

Client: Antea Group, Belgium

For the in-situ preservation of the Onlanden and the archaeological remains therein, monitoring wascarried out on behalf of the province of Drenthe.

For five years, studies have been carried out in collaboration with Wageningen University into various soil conditions.

Thanks to our multidisciplinary approach and innovative techniques, reliable results with regard to in-situ preservation were obtained. Through our monitoring, we contribute to sustainable use of the cultural heritage.

Client: Prolander, Drenthe Province