The archaeology of Vlooienburg Materiality and daily life in multicultural Amsterdam, 1600-1800

In the 1980s, large-scale excavations took place in the centre of Amsterdam, on the location of the Vlooienburg neighbourhood, which is today's Waterlooplein. The archaeological finds that were uncovered from the cesspits there provide a wealth of information about daily life and diversity in Vlooienburg in the 17th and 18th centuries. Through an in dept analyses of these finds, this dissertation contributes to a more nuanced picture of the so-called Dutch 'golden age' and attempts to move beyond traditional narratives of prosperity and spices, which has lead to more specific stories about the identity Vlooienburg inhabitants.
This dissertation is compiled of different material studies, related to various aspects of identity, diversity and daily life, embedded in an theoretical framework. A case study concerning Portuguese ceramics underlines the story and daily practice of Portuguese migrants who settled in Amsterdam. The study of the materiality of the earliest Jewish community in Amsterdam discusses the visibility of religious practice within the archaeological record. And other elements of daily life that are represented in this dissertation are related to the care taking of babies and children, and the change in consumer preferences that occurred in the 17th century due to the global trade.