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1200-1585: the Early History
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The early history covers the
period 1200-1585. Amsterdam developed round a dam in the Amstel river at
the end of the 12th century. The name Amstelledamme occurs for the first
time in the toll concession of Floris V, Count of Holland, dated October
27, 1275. During the 14th, but especially the 15th century, Amsterdam underwent
a rapid development, which laid the foundation for the Golden Age.
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Aerial map (woodcut) by Cornelis Anthoniszoon (1544) |
 Only
very few medieval buildings survive today. Some examples: the Old and New
Churches and the Houten Huis (Wooden House) at the Begijnhof.
Throughout the Middle Ages houses were generally built of wood, a vulnerable
type of construction material. The famous Houten Huis is no exception to
this rule. Consequently, most of them were destroyed. Nevertheless, a surprisingly
large number of Amsterdam dwellings still have timber frames. |
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