Expert Talk #3: Ranjith Jayasena

For over 65 years, archaeologists have been excavating hidden treasures in Amsterdam. Whether it's for the construction of a metro line or a small basement extension, they are there to uncover the city's history. One remarkable discovery was the finding of a log coffin grave beneath the high choir of the Oude Kerk in 1963. Dating back to around 1200, the grave contained the skeleton of a man approximately 35 years old and is considered the oldest known Amsterdammer. What do these discoveries tell us about Amsterdam? City archaeologist Ranjith Jayasena shares his insights.

About Ranjith Jayasena
Ranjith Jayasena is a senior archaeologist at Monuments & Archaeology, part of the Municipality of Amsterdam. In 2020, he published Digging and Mud Work: An Archaeological Urban History of Amsterdam. More recently, he co-authored Amsterdam, Water, and People: A Day on the Amstel in 1275 with architectural historian Gabri van Tussenbroek.