Title: Bronze Age Arrowhead in Swiss Museum Reveals Trade in Iron Meteorites
[Date]
Lake Biel, Switzerland – A recent study conducted on archaeological collections from Lake Biel in Switzerland has unveiled a fascinating discovery about a Bronze Age arrowhead housed in the Bern History Museum. The study reveals that the arrowhead was made from IAB meteoritic iron, shedding new light on ancient trade routes and the utilization of meteoritic iron during the Bronze Age.
The arrowhead, which was unearthed during a 19th-century excavation of a stilt house settlement in the canton of Bern, dates back to approximately 900-800 BC. This settlement was inhabited by people belonging to the Urnfield culture. The site was initially found in 1843 when water levels in Lake Biel dropped, leading to amateur excavations and removal of artifacts from their original positions.
In 1873, the Bernese government took proactive measures to protect the site and commissioned a research team led by Edward Jenner and Edmund Fellberg to conduct a detailed survey. The team uncovered evidence of buildings, bridges, and numerous Bronze Age artifacts.
To delve deeper into the composition of the arrowhead, the researchers utilized advanced techniques such as gamma spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, and Muon Induced X-ray Emission (MIXE) analysis. This meticulous examination revealed that the arrowhead was crafted from IAB meteoritic iron.
Furthermore, the analysis results astonished the team as they discovered the presence of Aluminium-26 (26Al), a radioactive isotope exclusively found in extraterrestrial objects. Additionally, high concentrations of As (arsenic) and Cu (copper) were found in the arrowhead, which are not typical of iron meteorites.
By comparing the chemical composition, the research team proposes that the arrowhead’s material originated from the Kaalijarv meteorite, which collided with Estonia around 1,500 BC, creating numerous small fragments. This suggests the presence of an iron meteorite trade network as early as 800 BC in Central Europe, potentially following the same routes used for amber trade from the Baltic area.
The findings carry immense significance as they shed light on ancient trade routes and provide valuable insights into the use of meteoritic iron during the Bronze Age. The study, published in the prestigious journal Science Directs, emphasizes the importance of preserving archaeological sites and conducting thorough scientific investigations to unravel the mysteries of ancient civilizations.
As the arrowhead continues to captivate visitors and researchers alike at the Bern History Museum, it serves as a tangible reminder of ancient trade networks and the exchange of knowledge and resources across cultures and continents.
For more intriguing discoveries from the world of archaeology and history, stay tuned to ‘KP INSIDER’.
Word Count: 375
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”