News.Life

Ancient Garden Unearthed Beneath Jesus' Burial Site Confirms Biblical Account

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, christianity, christians, religion

Archaeologists
 digging under the
 Church of the Holy Tomb
 in
 Jerusalem
 have discovered indications of an olden-day garden that correspond with
 biblical descriptions
 .


 Many
 Christians
 believe
 The church is where Jesus
 was laid to rest and it remains a significant issue till this day
 pilgrimage
 site.


 Currently, the finding of 2,000-year-old olive trees and grapevines is thought to support the descriptions in the Gospel of John regarding the location of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.


 As stated in the Gospel of John, “At the spot where he was crucified, there was a garden, and in this garden, there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been placed.”


 "The archaeological plant remains we've discovered have proven particularly intriguing for us, especially when considering the details provided in the Gospel of John, which was penned or compiled by someone well-acquainted with Jerusalem during that era," stated Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla to The Times of Israel.


 The Gospel describes a verdant patch of land between the Calvary and the tomb, which we recognized as these farmlands.


 Excavations have subsequently taken place as the churches anticipate large numbers of pilgrims during the Easter festivities.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1C9Vz4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1C9Vz4.jpg"/>

 The 2022 initiative marked the initial significant
 restoration
 Since the 19th century and led by a professor from Sapienza University of Rome.


 The restoration needed approval from all parties involved.
 Roman Catholic
 , Armenian and Greek Orthodox caretakers. Additionally, it required an Israel Antiquities Authority license.


 Professor Stasolla mentioned that due to the renovation work, the religious communities agreed to permit archaeological excavations beneath the flooring.


 The group discovered strata from the Iron Age beneath the basilica, which included artifacts such as ceramics, oil lamps, and soil specimens.


 The existence of artifacts predating Christianity indicates that the area evolved gradually from a quarry, then turned into farmland before becoming a burial ground.


 The Independent stands out as the globe’s premier source of unbiased journalism, offering worldwide news, insights, and examination tailored for those with an independent mindset. With a vast international audience comprising people who appreciate our reliable perspective and dedication to fostering constructive transformation, we continue to thrive. Today, fulfilling our purpose—driving meaningful progress—is more crucial than ever before.

Ancient Garden Unearthed Beneath Jesus' Burial Site Confirms Biblical Account

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, christianity, christians, religion

Archaeologists digging under the Church of the Holy Tomb in Jerusalem have discovered indications of an olden-day garden that correspond with biblical descriptions . Many Christians believ…

Unveiled: Ancient UAE Hunting Techniques from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B Era

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, culture, hunting, warfare

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Akk16" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Akk16.jpg"/>
<div class="news-body">
 
 AMMAN — Early in 2022, archaeologists uncovered eight habitation areas in southeastern Jordan. These locations are closely linked with eight large-scale hunting installations known as "desert kites." The dating evidence indicates these related sites fall within the late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period.
 
 
 The archaeological materials from various sites primarily consist of numerous stone tools, displaying remarkable consistency and uniformity across them all.
 
 
 "Given the distinctive features of the complete stone collection, a novel regional technological complex named 'Ghassanian' has been identified for these arid zones at the edge of the Fertile Crescent," stated French archaeologist René Cressard.
 
 
 Cressard mentioned that numerous arrowheads were found across all occupational levels at sites JKSH F19, P52, and F15. These arrowheads were crafted from small, finely grained chert blades; some may have been brought in through trade, with others being made of quartzite.
 
 
 The archaeologist mentioned that the debris from small, finely grained chert and quartzite blades appears to be predominantly used for this particular manufacturing process.
 
 
 During the preform stage, blanks are modified using direct, inverse, or bifacial retouch with a soft stone hammer. Later, they undergo pressure flaking followed by final invasive retouch to complete the tool.
 
 
 As seen from a typological perspective, these findings from the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites share similarities with those recognized in the Southern Levant during the Final PPNB period, particularly concerning single-stemmed blades like the Jericho, Byblos, and Amuq varieties," Cressard noted. "They also align with artifacts from the Late Neolithic era, including unifacial or bifacial tools characterized as single-stemmed or barbed and stemmed, akin to examples such as ha-Parsa, Nizzanim, and Herziliya.
 
 
 Various kinds of arrowheads discovered at the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites might represent another significant feature of these collections and the identified technological complex.
 
 
 A deeper analysis of the Jibal Al Khashabiyeh sites will provide essential insights into the regional chronology and typology, as well as facilitate comparisons with other parts of the Levant during the same era," Cressard pointed out, noting additionally that the flint utilized for making blades is locally sourced and appears as medium-sized slabs on the present-day surface of the region.
 
 
 At the JKSH P52 location specifically, numerous small, blade-like daggers were discovered clustered together outside the living area, closely associated with substantial amounts of flakes resulting from two-sided tool modification.
 
 
 Cressard explained that these daggers went through various stages of completion, with the majority appearing to be finalised. He also mentioned that many might have broken during production, presumably taking place in a specialized workshop section.
 
 
 It would be useful to examine potential signs of usage on both the bifaces and the blades to determine if particular functions can be linked specifically to each kind of tool.
 
 
 "As evidenced by their association with faunal remnants, the utilization of either or both seems like a plausible theory. Specifically, curved maces represent an exclusive category of tools during the period when Jibal Al Khashabiyeh was inhabited. These were connected to the application of kite structures, and currently, no similar examples have been identified within the broader region of the Near East," emphasized Cressard.
 
 
 The archaeologist observed that this level of detail might indicate a specific purpose for these tools, possibly related to handling items from hunts.
 
 
 The initial findings from the microscopic wear analysis of the chipped stone tools at site JKSH P52 offer promising avenues for future research regarding how we comprehend the inhabitation of this location and the societal as well as economic structure of the hunter groups connected to desert kites, according to the researcher.
 
 
 So far, initial findings indicate that within the wide range of activities depicted, the numerous processes involved in handling animal products seem to be notably prominent.
 
 
 The ongoing research aims to achieve several objectives: first, to outline the complete range of functions and technical procedures performed using this equipment; second, to deepen our comprehension of how animal remains were processed at the site, particularly in relation to targeted gazelle hunts (including butchering and leatherworking); third, to ascertain if distinct specialized areas can be distinguished both internally and across various sections,” Cressard stated.
 
</div>
Furnished by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

Unveiled: Ancient UAE Hunting Techniques from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B Era

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, culture, hunting, warfare

AMMAN — Early in 2022, archaeologists uncovered eight habitation areas in southeastern Jordan. These locations are closely linked with eight large-scale hunting installations known as "desert kit…

Scientists Reveal "Vast City" Buried Beneath Egypt's Giza Pyramids

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, science, scientific research, world

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 
 EXPLORE FURTHER: Scientists Unveil Unknown Type of Energy Found Inside Egypt’s Pyramids
 
 </li>
</ul>

 An 'innovative' find under the Egyptian pyramids has stunned people worldwide.


 Italian scientists assert they have discovered
 
 'an extensive subterranean metropolis' that extends over 4,000 feet beneath the Pyramids of Giza, rendering them 10 times larger when including this hidden dimension.
 bigger than the pyramids themselves
 .
 


 
 The shocking allegation – which numerous experts assert has been discredited –
 
 
 stems from research that utilized radar pulses to generate detailed imagery
 far beneath the surface under the buildings
 just like how sonar and radar are utilized to chart the ocean's depths.
 


 
 The document, which hasn’t undergone review by independent specialists, revealed
 
 Eight cylindrical formations stretching over 2,100 feet beneath the pyramid, with additional unidentified structures going even 4,000 feet deeper.


 A press statement termed the discoveries as 'revolutionary,' and if accurate, they have the potential to alter our understanding of ancient history.
 Egypt
 Nevertheless, independent specialists have voiced significant reservations regarding the study.


 
 Professor Lawrence Conyers, a radar expert at the University of Denver who focuses on archaeology, told diwida.NEWSthat it is not possible for the technology to penetrate that deeply into the ground, making the idea of an underground city 'a huge exaggeration.'
 


 
 Professor Conyers suggested that it is possible there are smaller features like shafts and chambers under the pyramids which predate their construction since the location was
 
 'special to ancient people.'
 
 


 
 He pointed out that the Mayans and other ancient Mesoamericans frequently constructed pyramids over cave or cavern openings that held ceremonial significance for them.
 

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BppZF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BppZF.jpg"/>

 
 The research conducted by Corrado Malanga from the University of Pisa in Italy, along with Egyptologists Armando Mei and Filippo Biondi from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, has just been made public recently.
 
 
 a face-to-face presentation in Italy earlier this week which has not yet been published in a scientific journal for scrutiny by independent experts.
 


 Despite the skepticism, Professor
 
 Conyers mentioned that the sole method to validate these findings would be through 'focused excavations.'
 


 
 In his view, as long as writers aren’t fabricating information and their fundamental approaches are accurate, everyone interested in the site should consider their perspectives.
 


 
 We might argue over different understandings, which is known as science. However, the fundamental techniques must be robust.
 


 
 He also informed diwida.NEWS that he was unable to determine whether the technology employed successfully detected any concealed structures beneath the pyramid.
 


 
 'All sorts of advanced specialized data analysis programs are being used by them,' stated Professor.
 
 Conyers.
 
 


 
 The Giza complex comprises three pyramids named Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, constructed approximately 4,500 years ago atop a rocky plateau situated along the western shore of the Nile River in northern Egypt.
 


 
 Each one was built in honor of a pharaoh.
 
 The most northerly and ancient pyramid in the cluster was constructed for Khufu. It is also referred to as the Great Pyramid and stands out due to its size—standing at 480 feet high with a base that spans 750 feet wide.


 The central pyramid was constructed for Khafre, the one that the team examined, whereas Menkaure stands as the southernmost and final structure within this cluster.


 Malanga is a UFO enthusiast who has been featured in various YouTube programs about extraterrestrial life. He has shared insights from his over ten-year journey investigating Unidentified Flying Object occurrences across Italy.


 On the contrary, Biondi focuses on radar technology.


 And Mei works as a researcher specializing in pre-dynastic Egyptian history.


 In October 2022, Malanga and Biondi released an independent peer-reviewed article in the scientific journal Remote Sensing. The study revealed concealed chambers and inclined passageways within Khafre, as well as indications of a heat signature close to the structure's foundation.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Bpwwb" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Bpwwb.jpg"/>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BprCa" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BprCa.jpg"/>

 
 The latest research employed comparable technology but received an enhancement from a satellite circling the planet.
 


 
 This innovative radar method functions by merging satellite radar information with minuscule tremors caused by natural seismic activity, enabling the creation of 3D representations of subsurface features without the need for excavation.
 


 
 Nicole Ciccolo, who is the spokesperson for the project, stated: "An extensive subterranean city has been found underneath the pyramids."
 


 
 'This pioneering research has reshaped the limits of satellite data analysis and archaeological investigation.'
 


 
 She posted a brief excerpt from the press conference on March 15, mentioning that the complete recording of the event will be available on March 25.
 


 The cylindrical forms, termed 'shafts' by Ciclico, were positioned in two parallel lines and encircled by downward spiraling paths.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BppZO" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BppZO.jpg"/>

 Ciccolo mentioned that they discovered cylindrical structures beneath all three pyramids, which seem to function "as entryways to an underground network."


 The team described the system as comprising interconnected chambers beneath all three pyramids.


 
 'Ciclico mentioned that enormous caverns lie underneath the Earth's surface, similar in scale to the pyramids, and these exhibit a striking similarity to the mythical Halls of Amenti.'
 


 
 
 These recent archaeological discoveries might reshape our comprehension of the sacred geography of ancient Egypt, offering spatial locations for what was previously unknown.
 
 'referred to as unknown and uncharted underground complexes,' she mentioned additionally.
 


 
 This week, the news has spread like wildfire, inundating social media platforms with posts regarding the possible discovery.
 


 
 Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna posted about some buildings on her X account.
 


 The group intends to keep pursuing their study through the year 2025.

Read more

Scientists Reveal "Vast City" Buried Beneath Egypt's Giza Pyramids

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, science, scientific research, world

EXPLORE FURTHER: Scientists Unveil Unknown Type of Energy Found Inside Egypt’s Pyramids An 'innovative' find under the Egyptian pyramids has stunned people worldwide. Italian scientist…

Bone Tools: Our Ancestors Mastered Them a Million Years Sooner Than Believed

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, culture, paleontology, technology

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Asghe" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Asghe.jpg"/>

 
 Researchers have unearthed what are believed to be the oldest known bone implements, shifting the timeline for their usage by approximately one million years earlier than previously thought.
 


 The find suggests early humans had more advanced tool-making skills than previously thought.


 These 27 fossilized remains, crafted into tools approximately 1.5 million years ago, are reshaping our understanding of early human technological development.


 The collection discovered in Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge offers the oldest proof of intentional creation of bone tools by early hominids.


 Made from the robust femur bones of elephants and hippopotamuses, these tools indicate that ancient humans had more sophisticated tool kits than earlier believed.


 Scientists have established that basic stone tools date back 3.3 million years. However, bone tools were thought to have been invented significantly later.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1Asghk" data-reference="video"/>

 The artifacts, which remain remarkably intact with some pieces extending up to 40 centimeters, exhibit evident indications of deliberate crafting.


 When they came into being, our forebears inhabited an uncertain life as hunter-gatherers on the plains of the Serengeti region, a terrain brimming with animal life.


 They created them utilizing a method akin to the production of stone tools, where tiny flakes were detached to create razor-sharp borders, showcasing advanced expertise.


 Dr. Christine Adhiambo Ogola serves as an archaeologist at the National Museum of Kenya and was not part of this particular research endeavor.


 "They mentioned that bone tools aren't prevalent due to their decomposition. Thus, even though there might be numerous instances of these tools throughout history, only a few remain today. In contrast, we find more stone tools still extant," she explained.


 These implements were probably utilized as hand-held axes primarily for processing animal carcases, notably scavenged remnants of elephants and hippopotamuses.


 Unlike subsequent instruments, these were not attached to handles or employed as spears.


 Scientists believe that the consistent choice of certain bones, mainly big limb bones from particular creatures, indicates that ancient humans intentionally looked for high-quality raw materials to craft their tools.


 "We can’t precisely determine when they began utilizing bone tools since it’s possible that these implements were used even before the recorded period. Given what we know about chimpanzees employing such tools, it suggests that human beings at an equivalent stage of evolution might have utilized similar instruments as well," explained Ogola.


 Consider this from a temporal perspective. When did humans reach that stage? It might have been as far back as 4-5 million years ago.


 This finding predates the emergence of Homo sapiens by over a million years. During this period, at least three distinct hominin species inhabited the area, namely Homo erectus, Homo habilis, and Paranthropus boisei.


 It remains uncertain which species created these tools; however, experts believe the discoveries indicate that ancient humans weren’t merely responding to their surroundings. Instead, they seem to have been deliberately strategizing about how they crafted their tools and carefully choosing materials for specific intended uses.


 The finding, reported in the journal Nature, offers fresh understanding of the developing intellect and flexibility of our ancient forebears.

Bone Tools: Our Ancestors Mastered Them a Million Years Sooner Than Believed

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, culture, paleontology, technology

Researchers have unearthed what are believed to be the oldest known bone implements, shifting the timeline for their usage by approximately one million years earlier than previously thought. T…

Bone Tools: Ancestors Mastered Them a Million Years Sooner Than Believed

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, culture, paleontology, technology

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Asghe" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Asghe.jpg"/>

 
 Archaeologists have unearthed what appear to be the oldest known bone instruments, which date back about a million years earlier than previous findings.
 


 This discovery indicates that early humans possessed more sophisticated tool-making abilities than was earlier believed.


 These 27 fossilized remains, transformed into tools approximately 1.5 million years ago, are reshaping our understanding of early human technological development.


 The collection discovered in Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge offers the earliest proof of intentional creation of bone tools by early hominins.


 Crafted from the robust thigh bones of elephants and hippopotamuses, these tools indicate that ancient humans had developed more sophisticated tool sets than earlier believed.


 Scientists have established that basic stone instruments date back 3.3 million years. However, bone tools were thought to be an invention of more recent times, up until now.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1Asghk" data-reference="video"/>

 The artifacts, which remain in excellent condition with some pieces reaching up to 40 centimeters, exhibit evident indications of deliberate crafting.


 When they were first made, our ancestors inhabited the perilous hunter-gatherer world across the plains of the Serengeti region, an area brimming with animal life.


 They created them utilizing a method akin to the production of stone tools, achieved by detaching tiny flakes to create keen edges, showcasing advanced skillfulness.


 Dr. Christine Adhiambo Ogola is an archaeologist affiliated with the National Museum of Kenya. She did not participate in the research.


 "Bone instruments are relatively rare due to their tendency to decay. Therefore, even though there might be numerous instances of them throughout history, only a few remain. In contrast, stone tools persist longer, which is why they are more commonly found," she explained.


 These implements were probably utilized as hand-held axes for dismembering animal carcasses, mainly scavenged remnants of elephants and hippos.


 Unlike subsequent implements, these were not attached to handles or employed as spears.


 Scientists claim that the consistent choice of bones, mainly big limb bones from particular creatures, indicates that ancient humans intentionally looked for high-quality raw materials to craft their tools.


 "We can't precisely determine when they began utilizing bone tools since it’s possible that these implements were used even earlier. Given what we know about chimpanzees employing such tools, it suggests that human beings at a similar stage of evolution would have been capable of doing the same," explained Ogola.


 Consider this from a temporal perspective. When did humans reach that stage? It might have been as far back as 4-5 million years ago.


 This finding predates the emergence of Homo sapiens by over a million years. During this period, at least three distinct hominin species inhabited the area, namely Homo erectus, Homo habilis, and Paranthropus boisei.


 It remains uncertain which species created these tools; however, experts indicate that the discoveries imply early humans weren’t merely responding passively to their surroundings. Instead, they appear to have been deliberately strategizing about how they crafted their tools and carefully choosing materials for specific intended uses.


 The finding, reported in the journal Nature, offers fresh understanding of the developing intellect and flexibility of our ancient forebears.

Bone Tools: Ancestors Mastered Them a Million Years Sooner Than Believed

Unknown archaeologists, archaeology, culture, paleontology, technology

Archaeologists have unearthed what appear to be the oldest known bone instruments, which date back about a million years earlier than previous findings. This discovery indicates that early hum…

Scientists Unveil Mysterious "Yellow Brick Road" Beneath the Pacific Ocean

Unknown archaeologists, geology, history, travel, underwater

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1tt2iU" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1tt2iU.jpg"/>

 A mission to a submerged mountain range located northeast of the Hawaiian archipelago uncovered something unexpected in 2022—a long-dormant subaqueous lakebed covered with what appears to be a golden cobblestone pathway reminiscent of Oz.


 The unsettling sight was stumbled upon by the research ship Nautilus during its examination of the Liliʻuokalani ridge.
 Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
 (PMNM).


 PMNM is among the biggest marine protected zones globally, surpassing the total area of all U.S. national parks combined, yet our exploration has barely begun.
 approximately 3 percent of its ocean floor
 .




 Scientists with the Ocean Exploration Trust are venturing into these uncharted territories located over 3,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface, and the exciting news is that everyone has the opportunity to witness this expedition.


 A
 highlight reel
 The video content from the expedition released on YouTube in April 2022 documented the instant when scientists controlling the submersible accidentally came across what they dubbed the "road to Oz."

<div class="aspect-w-16 aspect-h-9 youtube-iframe relative">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1ttbOX" data-reference="video"/>
</div>

 "The path leads to Atlantis," a researcher on the radio is overheard declaring.


 "The Yellow Brick Road?" another voice challenges.


 "I find this quite strange," remarks another member of the team.


 Seriously? This is insane.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ttbOQ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ttbOQ.jpg"/>

 Even though it sits beneath approximately one thousand meters of seawater, the lakebed found by scientists at the peak of the Nootka seamount appears unexpectedly arid.


 On the radio, the team observes that the ground appears nearly like a "baked crust" which might come away easily.


 In a small area, the volcanic rock has broken apart in a pattern that closely resembles brickwork.


 The distinctive 90-degree cracks probably stem from thermal stresses caused by repeated heating and cooling at this outer edge of the heated region,
 reads
 A title for the YouTube video.


 Initially, this impact might be misinterpreted as a gateway to an incredible new realm. In some respects, though, that interpretation isn’t entirely off base.


 Following the yellow brick road signifies that we're moving in the correct path and might swiftly uncover much more about Earth's concealed geological secrets.


 For additional information regarding the 2022 E/V Nautilus mission, you can delve into further reading.
 here
 .


 
 A previous iteration of this piece was published in May 2022.

Scientists Unveil Mysterious "Yellow Brick Road" Beneath the Pacific Ocean

Unknown archaeologists, geology, history, travel, underwater

A mission to a submerged mountain range located northeast of the Hawaiian archipelago uncovered something unexpected in 2022—a long-dormant subaqueous lakebed covered with what appears to be a golde…

Archaeologists Unveil World's Oldest Rune Stone: Pre-dating Vikings by Centuries

Unknown ancient history, archaeologists, archaeology, culture, science

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1yBRAx" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yBRAx.jpg"/>


 Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered what might be the
 
 oldest known rune stone
 
 , pushing back the origins of runic writing further than ever imagined. Estimated to date between
 
 50 BCE and 275 CE
 
 , this
 
 extraordinary find
 
 challenges what we thought we knew about the early
 
 Germanic alphabets
 
 and their evolution.

<h2>
 A Silent Witness to Ancient Words
</h2>

 Rune stones are
 
 engraved slabs
 
 bearing inscriptions in the runic alphabet, used by
 
 Germanic and Scandinavian
 
 peoples before the adoption of the
 Latin script
 . Most rune stones were raised between the
 
 3rd and 12th centuries
 
 , often serving
 
 memorial
 
 or
 
 funerary
 
 purposes, marking the graves of warriors, leaders, and even invoking the gods.


 Sweden holds the record for the most rune stones, with over
 
 2,500
 
 discovered, but similar inscriptions have been found across
 
 Norway, Denmark, Britain, and Central Europe
 
 . Each stone offers a glimpse into the past, preserving
 
 language, beliefs, and history
 
 .

<h2>
 A Groundbreaking Find in Norway
</h2>

 The newly discovered
 
 Svingerud stone
 
 , unearthed in a
 
 Norwegian burial site
 
 , is
 
 potentially the oldest rune stone ever found
 
 .
 Archaeologists
 recovered several sandstone fragments from ancient graves, which fit together like a puzzle to form a single engraved slab.


 Using
 
 radiocarbon dating
 
 , experts determined that the stone’s inscription dates back nearly
 
 2,000 years
 
 —
 
 significantly older
 
 than previously known rune stones. This
 
 dramatic discovery
 
 suggests that the runic writing system was in use much earlier than believed, reshaping our understanding of early Scandinavian literacy.


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1yBRAB" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yBRAB.jpg"/>

<h2>
 Mysterious Inscriptions and Evolving Symbols
</h2>

 The stone’s carvings
 
 don’t match
 
 the fully developed runic alphabets found on later artifacts. Instead, the engravings are a mix of
 
 recognizable runes
 
 and
 
 unknown symbols
 
 , hinting at an early experimental phase of writing. This
 
 linguistic puzzle
 
 raises exciting questions:


 ・Were these runes proto-forms of the later futhark alphabets?


 ・Did different regions develop unique runic traditions before a standardized system emerged?


 The stone is thought to have served a
 
 funerary purpose
 
 , possibly marking the resting place of an important individual. Over time, it was
 
 broken and repurposed
 
 in other graves, a practice that may reflect
 
 symbolic ancestral connections
 
 —a tradition where elements of earlier burials were incorporated into new ones.

<h2>
 A Turning Point in Runology
</h2>

 This discovery is more than just a piece of
 
 ancient sandstone
 
 —it is a key to unlocking the
 
 evolution of early writing in Northern Europe
 
 . Many previously found rune stones lack clear archaeological contexts, making precise dating difficult. But the
 
 Svingerud stone
 
 , preserved within a burial site, provides
 
 a rare and reliable time capsule
 
 .


 With this groundbreaking find, researchers are now re-evaluating
 
 other runic inscriptions
 
 And considering future digs. Might more ancient rune stones lie concealed under Scandinavia’s terrain, poised to alter our understanding of history yet again?


 
 Enjoyed this article?
 
 Sign up for our complimentary e-newsletter
 For captivating tales, special material, and up-to-date information.


 To find more stories like this one, check out
 .

Archaeologists Unveil World's Oldest Rune Stone: Pre-dating Vikings by Centuries

Unknown ancient history, archaeologists, archaeology, culture, science

Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered what might be the oldest known rune stone , pushing back the origins of runic writing further than ever imagined. Estimated to date between 50 BC…