The discovery of several sandstone fragments inscribed with ancient runes from Svingerud, a grave field in Norway, offers an intriguing glimpse into the early use of runic writing and its connection to burial practices. This find is of significant importance, not only because of its age but also due to the way it reshapes our understanding of the early use of runes. When pieced together, these fragments fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, suggesting that they were deliberately separated and scattered, possibly as part of a ritualistic or commemorative process. This discovery, as detailed in a study published in Antiquity by a research team led by Dr. Kristel Zilmer from the University of Oslo, offers fresh insight into the pragmatic and symbolic roles that rune stones played in early Germanic societies.
The Mystery of Early Runes
Runes, the alphabet used by Germanic peoples before the widespread adoption of the Latin script, are crucial in understanding the linguistic and cultural history of the region. The earliest runic inscriptions date back to the 2nd or 3rd century AD, but their origins remain unclear. Runic writing served a dual purpose: it was a mode of communication and a ritual tool, often inscribed on stone, wood, metal, or bone. The complex nature of early runic writing, combined with the ambiguity surrounding its use and development, makes it difficult to trace its full history.
“The development of runic writing and the practice of inscribing runes on stone are difficult to trace,” explains Dr. Zilmer. “There are many uncertainties about the earliest uses of runes and how they were employed in both everyday life and ritual practices.”
The Svingerud rune stone fragments represent a rare and valuable clue that helps bridge some of these gaps. Until now, rune stones of this era have been difficult to study in detail due to a lack of well-preserved examples or clear archaeological contexts. The discovery of fragments that are not only intact enough to piece together but also embedded in clearly datable grave contexts gives researchers the opportunity to analyze these early inscriptions in a way that was not possible before.
The Discovery at Svingerud
The Svingerud find is particularly notable because the fragments of stone were discovered in separate graves, suggesting they had been deliberately placed across different burial sites. The research team, after conducting three field seasons of excavation and subsequent analysis in the lab, was able to piece the fragments together like a puzzle. This process revealed that the inscriptions on the stones were much more complex than initially anticipated.
These fragments were carved with several sequences of runes, along with other ambiguous symbols and markings, raising questions about their significance. While some of the inscriptions are legible, others remain difficult to interpret. What stands out is that these runic markings might not have been made all at once, but could have been engraved at different times, possibly by different individuals. This points to the possibility that the stone was not just a single object but rather a commemorative medium that was reused and modified over time.
Intentional Fragmentation
The most intriguing aspect of this discovery is the evidence suggesting that the original stone was intentionally fragmented and scattered. The research team posits that the large stone may have originally been created to mark a single grave, but over time, it was divided and the fragments were distributed across later burials. This intentional fragmentation raises questions about the ritualistic practices of the people who used these rune stones.
“Rune stones likely had both ceremonial and practical intentions,” says Dr. Zilmer. “The grave field and the original raised stone suggest a commemorative and dedicatory intent, while subsequent use in a separate burial illuminates later pragmatic and symbolic expressions.”
The idea that fragments of a single stone were spread across multiple burial sites is indicative of a symbolic connection between different graves. This ritualistic practice may have been a way to establish continuity and intergenerational connections within the community. The act of scattering the rune stone fragments could have served to commemorate the deceased and link their memory with others who were buried later.
Radiocarbon Dating and New Insights
The archaeological context of the Svingerud site provides a wealth of information that allows for precise dating of the rune stone fragments. The grave field, which contains cremated human remains and charcoal, provided materials that could be radiocarbon dated. These dates are crucial in understanding the timeframe in which these rune stones were created and used.
To the surprise of researchers, radiocarbon dating revealed that the contexts in which the rune stone fragments were found date between 50 BC and AD 275. This places the rune stone fragments among the oldest examples of runic writing discovered to date, challenging previous assumptions about the timeline of runic use.
“These fragments are significant not only because of their age but also because they offer a new perspective on the early use of runes,” Dr. Zilmer states. “The dating shows that these runic inscriptions were in use long before the commonly recognized period for early Scandinavian rune stones.”
Bridging the Gap Between Ornamentation and Writing
The question remains: What purpose did these runic inscriptions serve? Were they purely ornamental, or did they represent a form of early writing? The ambiguous nature of some of the symbols on the fragments raises the possibility that these runes may have served a transitional function, bridging the gap between symbolic markings and fully developed writing systems.
While the exact meaning of the inscriptions is still a subject of debate, the fragmentation of the stone could suggest a deeper ritualistic or symbolic purpose. It raises the question of whether early runic stones were used as a means to connect different graves across the grave field, creating a network of commemoration or perhaps reinforcing the social ties within the community.
The Importance of This Discovery
The Svingerud site represents a rare example of rune stones found in well-preserved, datable archaeological contexts, which is of great importance for understanding early Scandinavian rune stones. The careful study of these fragments also serves as a reminder to archaeologists to pay close attention to stone fragments found in grave contexts. Even small pieces of inscribed stone can reveal valuable information if they are thoroughly investigated.
“This is a rare example of finding runic fragments in well-preserved, datable archaeological contexts,” notes Dr. Zilmer. “It is of great importance for discussions on early Scandinavian rune stones, and it also serves as a reminder for archaeologists to thoroughly investigate stone fragments found in grave contexts and search for potential inscriptions.”
The research team at the University of Oslo is continuing its work on these fragments, and further studies are expected in the coming years. The Svingerud discovery not only challenges existing theories about the origins and development of runic writing but also provides a fascinating new lens through which to explore early Germanic rituals and social structures.
Conclusion
The fragments from the Svingerud rune stone open up exciting possibilities for future research and offer a more nuanced understanding of how runic writing evolved. The intentional fragmentation of the stone, its use across multiple burial sites, and its dating to a much earlier period than previously thought all invite a rethinking of early rune stone practices. As researchers continue to study the Svingerud site, these fragments are sure to contribute to a growing body of knowledge about the rituals, writing systems, and social practices of ancient Germanic peoples, shedding new light on a world long past.
Reference: Inscribed sandstone fragments of Hole, Norway: radiocarbon dates provide insight into rune-stone traditions, Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2024.225