A prehistoric beginning
Flevoland, the youngest province in the Netherlands, has a history dating back tens of thousands of years. The area was once a vast swamp landscape, where prehistoric hunters and gatherers lived. Archaeological finds near Swifterbant show traces of a society that slowly transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture some 5,000 years ago.
From Flevo Lake to Zuiderzee
In Roman times, Flevoland was part of a large inland lake that the Romans called Lacus Flevo . In the Middle Ages, this lake was known as the Aelmare, which is where the name of the city of Almere comes from. Rising sea levels and floods created the infamous Zuiderzee from this inland lake probably in the 13th century.
An important trade artery
This new water landscape became a lifeline for trade and fishing. Cities such as Kampen and Amsterdam flourished thanks to access to this important route. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Zuiderzee was an important route for VOC ships on their way to faraway places. Port cities on the western shore, such as Amsterdam and Hoorn, grew into world-class trading centers.
The Zuiderzee: a sea full of life and threats
The Zuiderzee was an unpredictable and rugged inland sea, where treacherous weather caused countless ships to sink to the bottom. In addition to these dangers, storm surges caused immense damage and the loss of thousands of lives. These natural disasters posed a constant challenge to the people who lived and worked around the Zuiderzee.
Cornelis Lely’s master plan
After centuries of flooding and uncertainty, the storm surge of 1916 brought a turnaround. Engineer Cornelis Lely designed the ambitious plan to seal off and reclaim the Zuiderzee. This resulted in the Zuiderzee Act of 1918 and the implementation of the Zuiderzee Works.
The birth of new land
The construction of the Afsluitdijk in 1932 turned the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer. After this, new polders were created in phases: the Northeast Polder (1942), Eastern Flevoland (1957) and Southern Flevoland (1968). These areas provided space for agriculture, housing and businesses, and became the foundation for the province of Flevoland.
Hidden treasures of the sea floor
With the draining of the Zuiderzee, not only did new polders come to life, but numerous shipwrecks were also uncovered. Archaeologists have mapped more than 450 wrecks, ranging from medieval trading cogs to ships from the 19th century. These finds offer a unique insight into the history of the Netherlands, revealing stories of trade, fishing and seamanship. Each wreck, often with well-preserved cargo and utensils, forms a tangible reminder of the turbulent past of the Zuiderzee.
Official establishment of Flevoland
On Jan. 1, 1986, Flevoland officially became the twelfth province of the Netherlands, with Lelystad as its capital. The province includes six municipalities: Almere, Dronten, Lelystad, Noordoostpolder, Urk and Zeewolde. Since then, Flevoland has developed into a dynamic region with modern cities, innovative agriculture and impressive natural areas.
Dive into history at Museum Batavialand
Want to really experience the genesis of Flevoland? Then visit Museum Batavialand in Lelystad. Here you will discover everything about the reclamation, maritime history and life in this unique part of the Netherlands. Be inspired by stories about the battle against the water and admire the impressive finds from prehistory and the Zuiderzee period.