Archaeologists in Germany have made an extraordinary discovery of an extremely rare 3,000-year-old sword from the Bronze Age. The remarkably well-preserved weapon was found at an ancient burial site in the small town of Nordlingen. What surprised experts even more was that the sword still shone, despite being buried with three individuals. The burial, which included the remains of a man, woman, and teenager, has left researchers puzzled about their relationship. Mathias Pfeil, head of the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments, stated that further examination is required to classify the find, but it is already clear that the preservation is exceptional and such a discovery is incredibly rare.
The Bronze Age, which took place from 3300BC to 1200BC, marked a significant advancement for humanity as it was the first time people began working with metal, resulting in the creation of new tools and weapons. This had a transformative effect on agriculture and trade. Despite its age, the sword’s distinct zig-zag pattern, adorned with studs and rivets, is still clearly visible. Experts believe that while it may have been challenging to create, it was undoubtedly a functional weapon designed for sharp cuts. During this period, the trading of these types of swords was concentrated in just a few European regions, including southern Germany, northern Germany, and Denmark. Swords from Nordlingen, in particular, were associated with the Urnfield culture, known for its practice of cremation during the late Bronze Age. While the Urnfield culture likely originated in northern Italy and eastern Europe, its influence spread to various other countries, such as Germany and Ukraine. This culture’s members were known for their warlike behavior, which preceded the Tumulus Culture era, bringing significant advancements in bronze weaponry and armor. Although the origin of this newly-discovered sword remains unknown, researchers will continue their investigation, considering possibilities like wandering craftsmen or imports.
Interestingly, this German discovery follows the recent finding of a 3,000-year-old toddler’s shoe in a riverbed in north Kent, UK, making it the oldest shoe ever found in the country. The shoe, made of leather and measuring 15cm long, was initially thought to be medieval. However, carbon dating revealed its true age, shocking its discoverer, Steve Tomlinson. The Bronze Age in Britain, which spanned around 1,500 years from 2,500 BC, witnessed the introduction of sophisticated bronze tools, pots, and weapons from continental Europe. This period of migration brought new ideas and people to Britain, as evidenced by the distinct difference between Bronze Age skulls and those of the Stone Age. Bronze, made from tin and copper, was abundant during this time. Crete played a crucial role in the expansion of the bronze trade, with weapons initially coming from the Mycenaeans in southern Russia. The Beaker people, named after their distinctive bell-shaped beakers, are believed to have introduced bronze to Britain around 4,500 years ago. These people, originally from Spain, spread across central and western Europe in their search for metal resources. They also engaged in textile production, wore elegant garments, and buried their deceased in small cemeteries near settlements. The Iron Age followed the Bronze Age, commencing around 650 BC and ending around 43 AD.
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