Iris Briels is an archaeologist. She used to literally have her feet in the clay. But nowadays she sits behind a desk. Before a shovel goes into the ground, she determines whether it is even allowed and necessary. Why did she make this switch and what makes her work still so fascinating?
‘I worked for years as a field archaeologist, not yet for the municipality, and enjoyed being outdoors. Unfortunately, I developed back problems from the heavy work,’ Briels begins. ‘I was often digging for weeks and drilling deep into the clay by hand. Because my body put on the brakes, I looked for something else in archaeology. This profession is far too enjoyable to just give up.’
‘When I saw a vacancy as a policy archaeologist at the municipality of Rotterdam, I seized my chance. This work may sound less exciting than searching for ancient finds outside. But this desk work is actually very interesting and important. I look at old maps and soil data so that I can assess where archaeologists can best dig.’
Archaeology starts behind a desk
‘Many people think that archaeology starts with a shovel or a drill in the ground. But actually, the whole process starts behind a desk. Anyone who wants to dig in the ground of Rotterdam must have a permit from the municipality. Whether its a resident who wants to install a swimming pool in their garden, a company that wants to replace pipes in the ground, or a large new construction project. As a policy archaeologist, I am involved. I dont determine whether someone gets a permit, but I do determine whether archaeological research is needed first.’
RottaNova
‘A good example is when the new residential tower RottaNova had to be built next to the Markthal. That was once the oldest settlement and harbor of Rotterdam. A historical place, of course. There was a good chance that valuable finds were still in the ground. Based on, for example, an old map showing the harbor and old buildings, my colleagues and I decided that research had to come first.’
Traces from the past
‘Because the archaeological finds could not remain in the soil due to construction, field archaeologists went out to investigate the soil. First with a drill and later with shovels. In addition to various objects, they found remains of the oldest harbor of Rotterdam. And also of four Medieval locks: the Zevenhuizersluis, Bleiswijksesluis, the wooden lock under the narrow Kerkstraat, and the Keizerinnesluis.’
Privy under the post office
‘All the finds we excavate, we preserve and investigate. They tell us stories about Rotterdams past. They show how people lived here hundreds or even thousands of years ago. In Rotterdam, for example, there are also centuries-old privies. No, not for bears, haha. Privy is another word for cesspit or waste pit. In the Middle Ages, people didnt have toilets and sewers. They dug pits under the house or in the garden. Feces were collected there and waste was disposed of. Under the post office being renovated on the Coolsingel, there was also such a privy. Field archaeologists recently found a wooden door there that was a few hundred years old. It was used as a wall of the privy.’
Useful for everyone
Field archaeologists sometimes spend days or weeks drilling and digging. ‘My preparatory work is very useful for that. I can tell them where they can expect finds and where they should dig. That prevents unnecessary work. For archaeological material, its better if it can stay in the ground. We only excavate it if it would otherwise be lost due to construction activities. So the more accurately you can determine in advance where it can remain and where it is really threatened by construction, the better. Sometimes we even look with the person applying for the permit to see if its possible to slightly adjust the construction plans.’
Teaching and city walks
Does Briels miss working outside sometimes? ‘If the weather is nice, definitely! You dig together with other colleagues and thats very sociable. But I also enjoy being at the forefront of archaeology. Now, for example, I have the opportunity to tell others about the profession. I sometimes give archaeology lessons in primary schools. My colleagues and I also give city walks on special days, such as during the National Archaeology Days. People sometimes tell me that they look at places differently after such a city walk. Fun, right?’
Are you inspired by this story and want to know what vacancies are available at the municipality of Rotterdam? Then check www.werkenvoorrotterdam.nl . Link opens an external page.