Archaeologists in Horten, Norway, uncovered a rare 9,000-year-old Stone Age hammer and over 5,000 other artifacts during routine digs for a new bike path. This find at an ancient settlement sheds light on how early humans shifted from wandering hunters to more settled communities around 7,000 BC.
The Surprising Discovery in Horten
Workers started the excavation in eastern Norway, just south of Oslo, to check the ground before building the path. They expected simple bone remains but hit a treasure trove instead. The site turned out to be a bustling spot from the Middle Mesolithic period, full of signs of daily life.
The team from the Museum of Cultural History led by Silje Hårstad found layers of tools and waste that point to heavy use over time. This area once sat by a shoreline that rose 70 meters higher than today, making it a prime spot for fishing and gathering. The discovery challenges ideas about how quickly people in Scandinavia built lasting homes.
Experts note that acidic soils in eastern Norway often destroy organic items, so these well-kept finds stand out. The site covers intense activity, with artifacts piled up from repeated visits or longer stays.
Details of the Rare Hammer Artifact
The star of the dig is the club head, a smooth stone with a neat hole drilled right through the center. This hole let ancient people attach it to a wooden handle, turning it into a handy tool. Wear marks on one side show it saw real action, likely pounding fibers or shaping other stones.
Researchers think the hole came from patient work with sharpened animal bones twisted back and forth. Unlike fancy club heads used for show in western Norway, this one looks plain and practical. It fits into a group of simple tools from that era, aimed at everyday tasks.
Hårstad explained that such shaft-hole clubs are scarce in the east, making this one a big deal. It highlights skilled crafting skills among early settlers. Other tools nearby include sharp ax blades and tiny fishhooks carved with notches for lines.
- Key features of the hammer:
- Material: Smooth, round stone
- Age: About 9,000 years old
- Unique trait: Central hole for handle attachment
- Signs of use: Light crushing marks from pounding work
This artifact joins a short list of similar finds, mostly from the west, and helps map tool tech across the region.
Insights from the Ancient Hut Remains
At the site’s high point, diggers spotted outlines of a small hut, just 100 square feet wide, like a tiny room. A stone fireplace sat smack in the middle, a clear sign this was no quick camp but a spot for longer living. Hunter-gatherers usually stuck to tents, so this setup marks a step toward steady homes.
Bones scattered near the old shore hint at meals from sea and land. Tests on these burnt bits will show if folks ate seals, birds, or bigger game. Charred hazelnuts pulled from the dirt promise exact dates through carbon testing.
The hut’s spot on a sheltered cove suggests smart choices for safety and food access. Soil samples might even reveal floor mats made from bark, adding to the picture of cozy living.
Broader Picture of Stone Age Life
These Norway Stone Age artifacts paint a vivid scene of change in early human habits. Around 9,000 years ago, people here mixed hunting with fishing, building tools that lasted. The settlement shows a time of growth, with enough resources to support repeated gatherings.
| Artifact Type | Description | Possible Use |
|---|---|---|
| Club Head (Hammer) | Stone with drilled hole | Pounding and shaping materials |
| Ax Blades | Sharp stone edges | Cutting wood or meat |
| Fishhooks | Notched bone or stone | Catching fish in local waters |
| Quartz Tools | Small chipped pieces | Everyday scraping and cutting |
| Bone Fragments | Burnt remains | Evidence of diet and cooking |
This table sums up main finds and their roles in daily routines. Such tools reflect a shift to better tech, tied to richer food sources like nuts and fish.
The Horten site links to wider trends in Scandinavia, where sea levels rose after the Ice Age, pushing folks inland. It echoes other digs, like those in western Norway with fancier clubs, but stands alone in the east for its full setup.
What Lies Ahead for the Research
Teams plan more lab work to unlock secrets from the bones and nuts. Diet details could reveal if locals leaned on sea life or hunted deer, matching patterns from nearby spots. The hammer’s make will get close study to trace drilling methods.
This dig boosts knowledge of Norway’s early history, showing settled life started sooner than thought. It reminds us how small projects can uncover big stories about our past.
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