Archaeologists have made significant strides in understanding the origins of the ancient Hjortspring boat, an artifact dating back over two millennia. New research suggests the vessel traveled longer distances than previously believed and offers insights into the maritime practices of early Scandinavian societies, reports BritPanorama.
Excavated in Scandinavia more than 100 years ago, the boat was found alongside a hoard of weapons, indicating that it was likely used by warriors who attempted to invade the Danish island of Als, only to be defeated and sunk in a bog. The recent study, published in the journal PLOS One, includes radiocarbon dating data and analysis of building materials that shed light on the boat’s construction and purpose.
Lead author Mikael Fauvelle, a researcher at Lund University, noted that previous assumptions regarding the boat’s origins lacked clarity. His team’s findings indicate that the caulking used on the ship contained a mix of animal fat and pine pitch, highlighting that the materials likely originated from outside Denmark, implying the potential for organized expeditions from locales near the Baltic Sea.
Fauvelle remarked, “Our work has provided an important new clue for the mystery of where the raiders in the boat came from.” He elaborated that during the Bronze Age, Scandinavians required seafaring capabilities to trade for essential materials like copper and tin. In this context, the Hjortspring boat exemplifies an early maritime culture crucial to Scandinavian history. The investigation revealed a human fingerprint on tar fragments, providing a rare connection to its past users.
Uncovering the boat’s past
The Hjortspring boat was approximately 20 meters long and could carry up to 24 individuals. It is presently housed at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. Researchers believe it to be the oldest preserved plank-built vessel in Northern Europe and an indicator of advanced shipbuilding techniques in the early Iron Age.
Flemming Kaul, a co-author and senior researcher at the National Museum of Denmark, emphasized the significance of the vessel as a cultural artifact. Previous studies conducted in the early 1920s had not revealed the extensive maritime connections of the time. The current study analyzed materials that had remained unexamined since the boat’s excavation, leading to breakthroughs in understanding its construction.
The study found that the caulking materials were not local but included components indicative of trade and travel, suggesting that the boat’s builders may have had significant maritime networks connecting them with distant regions.
Unexpected finds in the archive
During their analysis, the research team discovered an intact cordage alongside the caulking fragments, allowing for radiocarbon dating that placed the vessel’s construction in the fourth or third century BC. This timeframe correlates with previous assessments, reinforcing the ship’s historical relevance.
Fauvelle called the identification of the partial fingerprint “extremely special,” noting that such artifacts are seldom found from this era. The research aims to uncover more about who used the boat and where it was constructed, utilizing advanced techniques such as X-ray scans and the extraction of ancient DNA from the tar.
“The Hjortspring boat and the Hjortspring find (with its many weapons) gives evidence as to conflict and strategy during the Early Iron Age of Northern Europe,” Kaul concluded. This inquiry into maritime practices illustrates the significance of naval history in understanding early Scandinavian societies, akin to the importance of controlling trade routes in contemporary times.
