An ancient game was discovered in a burial site from the Scandinavian iron age

Archaeologists from the University of Bergen, Norway, have found an ancient grave with iron age artifacts, which is located next to The Alverstraumen Strait. After removing the top layer of turf, the researchers found several stones surrounding the blackened soil with traces that indicate the remains of a fire. After the body was burned, several items were placed in the burial: ceramic pots, a bronze pin, game figures, and glass products.

Figures for the Board game have been preserved quite well: among the two dozen, only five are damaged. Dice in the form of sticks are extremely rare – 15 such items were found in Norway. Similar sticks were also found on the territory of the former Roman Empire - artifacts belong to the I–IV centuries.

All the finds indicate that the buried person was an important person. The Alverstraumen Strait is considered a major trade route, and those who controlled the area made large profits, often in the form of items like this game set. Scientists plan to establish more precise dates for the appearance of such game pieces, as well as learn more about the social impact that Board games had at that time.

Photo © www.thehistoryblog.com

Photo © www.thehistoryblog.com

Photo © www.thehistoryblog.com