Archaeologists in Norway discovered fragments of the world's earliest known rune-stone, dating as early as 50 BC at the Svingerud grave field. This find reshapes the understanding of runic writing, suggesting it has ancient roots predating the medieval period. The fragments, found in different graves, were pieced together, showing intentional breakage and distribution. Researchers highlight the ceremonial and practical roles of rune-stones, while precise dating of the context challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of runic writing and its early evolution.
This is a rare example of finding runic inscriptions that predate the previously known rune-stones, pushing the history of runic writing back centuries.
The development of runic writing and the practice of inscribing runes on stone are difficult to trace, indicating a complex history for this script.
Rune-stones likely had both ceremonial and practical intentions—suggesting a blend of commemorative and pragmatic uses over time.
Radiocarbon dating provides a precise context for the rune-stone, challenging the timeline of runic writing and its evolution.
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