2024-07-25 08:56:05
Experts at the Norwegian Maritime Museum (NMM) believe the object is a Bronze Age ax dating from around 1300-1100. Ave. The well-preserved bronze weapon is the first prehistoric metal artifact found in Norwegian waters, museum researchers say.
It was discovered off the coast of Arendal in a strait at a depth of about 12 meters, said NMM marine archaeologist Jorgen Johanessen.
“This is the oldest metal artefact found under water in Norway,” said Mr Johannessen.
But how the roughly 13 cm long ax ended up in the strait is a mystery. Scientists believe that the artifact may have ended up here 3,000 years ago in a Bronze Age shipwreck.
“However, only this find has been discovered and there are no other artefacts or parts of the ship,” Mr Johannessen said.
If the shipwreck hypothesis turns out to be correct, the site may contain more surviving artifacts from the shipwreck. In that case, “this find would be an unprecedented discovery in this region,” said NMM archaeologist and project leader Frode Kalvo.
The team’s second hypothesis, which is perhaps more likely, is that the Bronze Age ax was used much later as ballast on a sailing ship – and discarded.
“It could have happened in the 19th century. It could have been thrown overboard to make way for a new cargo,” Mr Johannessen said.
Archaeologists discovered the ax during a survey commissioned by the Norwegian Coastal Administration.
“I was completely blown away by this find,” Mr Johannessen said. “I knew right away that it was something special.”
Parengta pagal „Newsweek“.
2024-07-25 08:56:05