oldest rune stone svingerud discovery

Piecing Together the Mystery of the Oldest Rune Stone Ever Dated

Reconstructing the Oldest Rune Stone

Reassembling the fragments of the world's oldest known rune stone reveals a jigsaw-like fit suggesting intentional separation and offering insight into the practical and ritual significance of early Germanic rune stones.

The Origins and Functions of Runes

Before the Latin alphabet became widespread, runes served as the written form for Germanic languages with the earliest runic scripts in use until about AD 700. The exact origins and functions of these runes, however, are still not well understood.

Dr. Kristel Zilmer's Insight on Runic Writing

Dr. Kristel Zilmer, a professor of runology at the University of Oslo and member of the research team behind a recent publication in Antiquity, notes that tracing the development of runic writing and the practice of inscribing runes on stone is a challenging task.

Discovery of Rune Inscribed Fragments at Svingerud Grave Field

The discovery of several sandstone fragments inscribed with runes at the svingerud grave field in Norway is significant, offering valuable insights into the early use of runic writing on stone. These fragments contain intriguing rune sequences and other enigmatic markings. The archaeological context of the finds presents an excellent opportunity to date the rune stones using radiocarbon dating.

Fragmented Stones and Their Puzzle-Like Fit

The stone fragments were discovered in different graves and through detailed archaeological work over three field seasons along with laboratory analysis the research team found that they fit together like ajigsaw puzzle. By reconstructing the pieces, they were able to uncover several runic inscriptions.

Multiple Funic Sequences and Ambiguous Markings

Certain fragments were inscribed with multiple runic sequences while others featured unclear markings. These may have been carved at different times by various individuals.

Evidence of Intentional Fragmentation and Scattering

This evidence suggests the original large stone was purposefully broken and scattered with fragments later used in subsequent burials. It is likely the stone was first intended to mark a single grave, but its fragments came to symbolize later burials.

Ceremonial and Functional Roles of Rune Stones

"Rune stones probably had both ceremonial and functional purposes," Dr. Zilmer notes. "The grave field and the original raised stone suggest a commemorative role while their later incorporation into a separate burial reveals evolving pragmatic and symbolic meanings."

Radiocarbon Dating and Its Surprising Results

Significantly, since Svingerud is a grave field the cremated human remains and charcoal found at the site can be radiocarbon dated, providing a reliable date range for the contexts in which the rune stone fragments were discovered.

Radiocarbon Dating Reveals Date Range

Radiocarbon dating uncovered another surprising finding: The contexts date from 50 BC to AD 275, making these rune stone fragments the oldest examples discovered so far.

New Perspectives on Rune Stone Symbols

This offers a fresh perspective on the rune stone: Could some fo the unidentified symbols serve as a link between decorative script and early writing? Was the intentional fragmentation and distribution of rune stones a way to establish connections between various graves within the field?

Importance of Further Research

This is an exceptional case of runic fragments being found in well-preserved, datable archaeological contexts. It holds significant value for the study of early Scandinavian rune stones and serves as a reminder to archaeologists to carefully stone fragments in grave contexts for possible inscription. Dr. Solheim concludes that further research on this site and its rune stone fragments will continue in the coming years.

Source

"Dive Deeper into the World of Ancient Runes and Archaeological Discoveries"

The discovery of the world's oldest known rune stone fragments at Svingerud provides invaluable insights into early Scandinavian culture. As we continue to piece together the puzzle of these ancient symbols, it's crucial to stay updated on the latest findings. Explore more on the fascinating relationship between archaeology and history with the following links:

• Human Health Issues Blog - Discover how ancient discoveries impact our understanding of human history and health.
• FSNews365 - Stay informed on scientific advancements and archaeological breakthroughs across various fields.
• Earth Day Harsh Reality Blog - Delve into environmental impacts and how archaeology connects to the preservation of our planet's history.

Stay connected for further updates on rune stones, early writing systems and future archaeological research!