The spectacular discovery of a horse grave in 2010 was world news. It was the first time such a large horse grave had been discovered in Europe. There are no fewer than 67 horse skeletons, dozens of horseshoes, and lead musket balls. They were stacked in a siege trench measuring 50 by 2 meters. The excavation was carried out on behalf of the Grensmaas Consortium.
In the summer of 1673, the siege of Maastricht takes place by the French army, led by the Sun King, Louis XIV. These warhorses most likely died during cavalry battles near the Borgharen ship bridge or were badly wounded and received a final shot. They were slim, agile and true sprinters. They received good food and care. But they were also used to transport supplies, to move cannons or to transport wounded. The horses did not come from this area and the largest group lived to be between 4 and 10 years old.
With the capture of Maastricht in 1673, European history was written. Out of joy, after the conquest of Maastricht, the Sun King had a triumphal arch erected in Paris: the Porte Saint-Denis.
Go to the Archaeological Visitor Center Kasteelhoeve Hartelstein near Itteren.
PLEASE NOTE: Go into the park on the Trichtervoogdenstraat at house number 68. After about 150 meters you will find the spear-landmark of the Archeo Route Limburg on the right.
TIP: This location is part of Ode-aan-de-Maas
Find also other Archeo Route Limburg locations