- Archeologists recently uncovered a Stone Age arrow frozen in ice.
- This discovery is over 2,000 years older than other findings in the area.
- The arrow is believed to have become lodged in the ice during ancient reindeer hunts.
In late August, archeologists in Norway made an extraordinary discovery – they found a 4,000-year-old arrow from the Stone Age preserved in ice.
The arrow was uncovered by archeologists from the group Secrets of the Ice, which operates under Norway’s Department of Cultural Heritage. Dr. Lars Holger Pilø, co-director of the group, informed Insider about the find.
The arrow was found on the side of Mount Lauvhøe, part of the Jotunheimen Mountains in Norway. Due to increased ice melting in recent years, more of the ground is being exposed for study. The archeologists had previously visited the site in 2017 when the survey area was smaller.
Prior to this discovery, the oldest ice-preserved arrows dated from the Iron Age and the Middle Ages, ranging from 500 to 1,700 years old.
“This discovery significantly extends the time span of the site,” stated Pilø in an email. “Lauvhøe is just one of 66 ice sites in our county. We already have over 4,000 finds from the ice.”
According to NPR, initially, the archeologists believed the arrow came from the Iron Age. However, after removing the glacial silt, they realized it was much older.
Pilø suggested that the arrow became embedded in the ice while hunters pursued reindeer, which sought refuge near ice and snow during hot days to avoid botflies.
“The ancient hunters were aware of this and would hunt the reindeer along their route, including on the ice patch,” explained Pilø. “Sometimes, when an arrow missed its target, it would sink deep into the snow and become lost. Unfortunate for the hunter, but a bull’s eye for archeology!”
Archeologists will continue their search in the area, as it remains a fruitful site.
“We have recently discovered a horse bit and bridle, possibly from the Viking Age,” revealed Pilø.
