The Limburg Maas valley is very rich in archaeology. In order to keep our feet dry at high water, trenches have been dug, among other things. Prior to the construction of the channels, extensive research was carried out by means of borings and trenches. Archaeological excavations were only carried out at locations where ground movement was necessary. More than 50,000 finds have been made at this site! Most finds, mainly flint objects, come from the middle and new stone age, about 11,000 to 6,000 years ago.
For hunter-gatherers, the meander-valley was a fine place; you were dry enough and still in the valley with a direct view of the river. In the Meuse river bed, the flint raw material was literally there for the taking! These wandering people made tools from these flint stones, such as blades and scrapers for preparing skins or cutting meat and arrowheads for hunting.
The high ridge proved to be a favourite and especially fertile place for the first farmers who settled in the area. Farming came from Mesopotamia and the Balkans and was introduced into South Limburg around 5300 BC. After 5000 BC, it slowly but surely spread to other parts of the Netherlands. Houses were built, grains were grown and cattle were kept. A completely different way of life than that of the hunter-gatherers! Farming appeared to be the best survival strategy; an agricultural revolution.
TIP: This location is part of Ode-aan-de-Maas
NOTE: There is no spear at this location yet, but you can already experience the story in the app. You can find the location at the end of the Venkenweg, where it changes into the Elsholterweg.
Also find the other Archeo Route Limburg locations.