Discovery of the World’s Oldest Rune Stones in Norway Sparks Interest in Ancient Writing

Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered fragments believed to be the oldest rune stones in the world, dating back approximately 2,000 years. These inscriptions, found in the Svingerud burial field in Hole, represent the earliest known form of runic writing, shedding light on the cultural practices of a long-lost civilization, according to lead archaeologist Steinar Solheim from the University of Oslo.

The sandstone fragments, originally part of a single slab, exhibit multiple runic sequences, some of which have been identified as potentially referencing ancient Nordic words. Researchers believe that these stones might have served as grave markers, possibly broken and reused in subsequent burials. The peculiar nature of the inscriptions suggests they may have been engraved by various individuals, potentially indicating a communal or familial connection.

Despite attempts to decipher the runes, many markings remain ambiguous, prompting further inquiry into their meaning and the historical context of their use. The findings present new opportunities for understanding the origins of runic texts and their evolution over time, as noted in a recent study published in the journal Antiquity.