Archaeologists have uncovered a compact iron knife bearing a distinctive runic inscription. The artifact is estimated to be about two millennia old, marking it among the oldest runic writings found in Denmark. The discovery was reported by researchers studying early Nordic material culture.
The eight-centimeter weapon was located on the island of Feren. Experts interpret the inscription as reading “Hirila,” dating to around 150 CE. The wording emerged as the blade was cleaned, and scholars are unsure whether it designates the knife’s name or perhaps the owner. What is clear is that the inscription represents an early form of runic writing, indicating the use of a markedly ancient alphabet at the time.
This find offers a rare glimpse into Denmark’s earliest written language from the Iron Age, a period when literacy was not widespread and writing was a specialized skill.
Historically, literacy was limited to a small, educated elite, a trend that jacketed the cultural and social landscape of early runic communities. According to the archaeologists studying the site, the presence of written characters points to the existence of individuals who held intellectual authority in those early days, hinting at a society where symbolic communication played a role in status and power.
Previously reported observations noted the sensory impressions surrounding ancient Roman wine traditions. These notes reflect a broader interest in material culture and the tastes that traveled across eras, illustrating how interconnected ancient societies could be in their everyday life and exchanges.