Under the home of an Iron Age Chieftain in Denmark, archaeologists discovered more than 100 weapons. This 1,500 year old collection, which could have equipped a small armies with weapons, may be a remnant of the Iron Age. “sacrifice” Or offering.
“The sheer number of weapons is astonishing, but what fascinates me most is the glimpse they provide into the societal structure and daily life of the Iron Age,” Elias Witte Thomasen is an archaeologist with Vejle Museums and the leader of this excavation. He said in a statement on Nov. 22, Statement . “We suddenly feel very close to the people who lived here 1,500 years ago.”
Denmark was at the edge of Europe between the 1st and 4th centuries A.D. Roman Empire As part of Greater Germania. The majority of the people were farmers in this region, although Romans like Julius Caesar lived here. Writer Germanic Warriors: Some scholars Think that Romans might have even provided weapons to the tribes of Denmark, perhaps in order to maintain peace along the Scandinavian border.
The cache was discovered by archaeologists during an August highway expansion at Losning Sondermark. Under two houses from the early 5th century, archaeologists found metal weapons that belonged to a powerful person who could raise an army. Researchers believe that the metal weapons, which were deliberately buried in a house during demolition, were sacrificed following a war victory. This cache included 119 lances, spears, knives, swords, an ax, and rare chainmail.
An excavation in Denmark has uncovered a set of Iron Age chainsmail. (Image credit: Vejle Museums)
According to a statement, very few Iron Age examples have been discovered in southern Scandinavia. The Losning Chainmail was the first example to be found at a settlement rather than burial site. The archaeologists believe that this elaborate armor, which was costly and took a long time to make, belonged to a chieftain.
Archaeologists also found two fragments of bronze neck bands known as “oath rings.” The chieftain was able to demonstrate his influence by using these accessories, which were also symbols of power during the Iron Age. They also discovered fragments from a horse’s bridle, a bugle as well as other iron and bronze items that are yet to be examined.
The fragment of a “oath ring” During an excavation in Denmark, an Iron Age power symbol was found.
The weapons cache is clearly associated with an Iron Age house of a chief, but archaeologists do not know if the items belonged to the local warriors who gathered them or if they were war spoils. But, there are some things to consider. similar Iron Age hoard Vindelev is located just 16 kilometers (10 miles) to the west of Losning. This indicates the presence of many powerful chieftains.
Researchers will further analyze the site, including its weapon sacrifices to understand Iron Age warriors’ and society.
