During an excavation in Oegstgeest, Leiden archaeologists came across two early medieval graves. They are graves of adult women, who were buried in a pit. Remnants of bronze jewelry and a string of beads were found on the skeletons. The tombs date from the seventh century.
Large settlement
"The discovery of burials from this period is very special in the western Netherlands," says Jasper de Bruin, the leader of the study. The excavations, started in 2009, have so far yielded data on a large settlement, which was inhabited between 500 and 750 AD. In addition to farmers, the inhabitants of that time were also active as traders and fishermen. Although many parts of the settlement have been excavated, until now traces of the inhabitants themselves have been missing. They have now been found.
Layer of straw or flowers
The two burial pits are on the edge of the settlement. A layer of organic material was found in the burial pits, which may have come from straw or flowers placed in the grave. Research on soil samples from this layer should confirm whether this is indeed straw or flowers.
Strand of 71 beads
The bronze jewelry was in very poor condition and can probably only be studied through X-rays. This does not apply to the string of beads found in one of the graves; this one was in good condition. It is a string of 71 beads of glass, natural stone and amber. The finds will have to be conserved and restored in the near future before they can be shown to the public.
Dog Skeletons
Although the search for more burials has been diligent, it now appears that no other burials have been present as the surrounding site has been fully excavated. In addition to the two women's graves, three dog skeletons were also found. Possibly the pets and the people were buried together.