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The runestone was discovered in the fall of 2021 during an excavation of a grave near Tyrifjord, west of Oslo, in a region known for several monumental archaeological finds. Items in the cremation pit — burnt bones and charcoal — indicate that the runes likely were inscribed between A.D. 1 and 250.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Archaeologists in Norway said Tuesday that have found a runestone which they claim is the world’s oldest, saying the inscriptions are up to 2,000 years old and date back to the earliest days of the enigmatic history of runic writing.
The flat, square block of brownish sandstone has carved scribbles, which may be the earliest example of words recorded in writing in Scandinavia, the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo said. It said it was “among the oldest runic inscriptions ever found” and “the oldest datable runestone in the world.”
The significance of the 'world's oldest runestone' lies in its potential to provide insights into the early use of writing in Scandinavia and the development of the Norse culture. It could shed light on the language, social structure, and beliefs of the people who created it, offering a valuable connection to the region's history.
The runestone is estimated to be around 2,000 years old, dating back to the early centuries AD. This makes it one of the oldest known examples of runic inscriptions, predating many other similar artifacts found in the region.
The inscriptions on the runestone are believed to contain a form of early runic writing, which may include names or phrases. However, the exact translation and interpretation of the inscriptions are still under research, as scholars work to decode the ancient script.
The runestone was discovered in a site in Norway that is rich in archaeological significance. The specific location is important for understanding the context in which the stone was created and used, as it may have been part of a larger settlement or ceremonial area.
Archaeologists used a combination of radiocarbon dating, stratigraphy, and analysis of the runes themselves to date the runestone. These methods help establish a timeline for when the stone was carved and its historical context within the broader timeline of Norse history.