The enigmatic origins of runic writings used by early Germanic peoples have invited much debate over the years, but a fragmented runestone from a Norwegian grave site may settle some questions.
Researchers found that several pieces of sandstone, excavated from the Svingerud grave field in Hole, Norway and dated to between 50 B.C.E. to 275 C.E., fit together into a single slab that contains perplexing runic inscriptions.
The meanings behind these carved markings are explored in a new study published in the journal Antiquity. Researchers believe that the Svingerud Stone may have been intentionally segmented to designate certain inscriptions to different graves. With the runestone fragments reunited, the connections among the varied inscriptions offer promising progress toward understanding the earliest incarnations of Germanic runes.
