– This runic discovery is the most sensational thing that I, as a runic researcher, have gotten my hands on in my life. It is incredibly educational and inspiring, says runologist and professor Kristel Zilmer at the Museum of Cultural History.
Runologist and professor at the Cultural History Museum Kristel Zilmer.
Photo: Stig Jaarvik / NRK
She points out that the discovery may mean that runestones are older than researchers have previously thought. The one rune stone that was unearthed is probably the oldest rune stone that has ever been found.
– The discovery of the rune stones is world news, says Zilmer.
Scratched in name
The researchers have dated the large stone to the period between the year 0 to the year 250 AD. The stone has a mixture of different inscriptions that have not been seen on stone before. It has thin lines of runes and script images reminiscent of signs and scribbles.
– This find will give us a lot of knowledge about the use of runes in the early Iron Age. This may be one of the first attempts to use runes in Norway and Scandinavia, says Zilmer.
In one of the inscriptions you find eight runes which are believed to be the name of a person who lived nearly 2,000 years ago. Scientists believe the stone was made in memory of the man who was found in a grave that the archaeologists uncovered.
The runestone probably has a name written on it. The researchers believe the stone was made in memory of a buried human.
Photo: Stig Jaarvik / NRK
A couple of smaller pieces of stone with the word “rune” carved into them were also found. There is also the name of the person who probably drew the runes. The researchers are still working on dating this find.
Was speechless
Project manager for the excavations Steinar Solheim says that the discoveries were made in 2021 and 2022, but it has taken time to analyze them.
Among other things, the researchers have carried out analyzes to find out how old the rune stones are. It is therefore only now that the findings can be presented.
The discovery of the rune stones was made during archaeological excavations in connection with the development of the Ringeriksbanen.
The excavations were carried out before the development of the Ringeriksbanen.
Photo: Kjetil Nergaard / Nye Veier
During the excavation, the archaeologists found a grave with the bones of a human and one of the two rune stones. During later work, they found several smaller pieces of runestone which they are working on dating.
– I was very surprised. You almost stop breathing and become a little speechless when you understand what you are facing here, says project manager Solheim.
People can see the rune stones for themselves at the History Museum from 21 January.
Kristel Zilmer and Steinar Solheim at the Cultural History Museum show the rune stones.
Photo: Stig Jaarvik / NRK
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Tags: #2000yearold runestone Ringerike NRK Culture entertainment
