For centuries he lay buried under the Oude Kerk in the heart of Amsterdam. During an excavation in 1963, he was found by archaeologists in a tree trunk coffin. We called him the first Amsterdammer. Especially for the celebration of Amsterdam 750, he was given a face. And now he has a name: Alewijn.
During a working visit to an archaeological excavation in the city, alderman Groot Wassink (archaeology) revealed the name of the first Amsterdammer.
Noble Friend
Thanks to a facial reconstruction, we recently learned what the first Amsterdammer looked like. But he still didnt have a name. Visitors to the exhibition The Birth of the City. In Search of Medieval Amsterdam at the City Archives could vote on 5 names: Adam, Nico, Pier, Alewijn, and Otto. Over 2,100 people participated. With 35 percent of the votes, the name Alewijn came out as the winner. Alewijn is a medieval boys name that is rarely found in the Netherlands and means noble friend.
About Alewijn
During an excavation at the Oude Kerk, archaeologists found a tree trunk coffin with skeletal remains in 1963. After examining these remains, it was determined that this person died between 1150 and 1215. The person we now call Alewijn belonged to the first generation of inhabitants at the Amstel estuary. We now know what Alewijn probably looked like, what he ate, and how healthy he was.
Podcast and Video
A team of archaeologists and researchers worked together to unravel and bring Alewijns story back to life. Hear and see more about the reconstruction of Alewijn through the five-part podcast series with accompanying videos.
- Watch and listen: From Bone to Image - City Archives Amsterdam
Exhibition until July 6
From vulnerable settlement to international port city: the exhibition The Birth of the City. In Search of Medieval Amsterdam brings to life the earliest history of Amsterdam and its inhabitants. In 8 surprising themes, you will discover how resourceful Amsterdammers shaped their city, made agreements about safety and governance, and took care of each other. Unique archival pieces, rare archaeological finds, atmospheric animations, and an interactive timeline take you back to the life of that time and show how that time is still felt in the city of today.
Face to Face
Havent you seen Alewijn yet? Come to the City Archives and come face to face with the first Amsterdammer during the National Archaeology Days this weekend. Cant make it? No problem, the exhibition with Alewijn is still open until Sunday, July 6, 2025.
- For more information, visit The Birth of the City. In Search of Medieval Amsterdam - City Archives Amsterdam.