Archaeologists have uncovered fragments of what may be the world’s oldest rune stone in Norway’s Svingerud burial field. The sandstone pieces, found in separate graves and later reassembled, provide rare insight into early runic writing and its role in ancient Scandinavian culture.
The runic alphabet was a common writing system primarily for Germanic languages until around 700 AD. Despite their historical importance, the origins and evolution of these symbols remain largely unknown.
Rare discovery of ancient rune inscriptions
The excavation conducted over three seasons led researchers to discover scattered fragments in different graves. When pieced together in the lab, the stones revealed multiple runic inscriptions and other markings, some created at different times by various individuals. This suggests that the original stone may have been deliberately broken and shared among the graves.
Dr. Steinar Solheim, lead researcher of the study, said that this discovery is remarkable because it provides a well-preserved, datable archaeological context. It deepens the researchers’ understanding of early Scandinavian rune stones and their role in burial traditions.
Oldest known example of runic writing on stone
Scientists utilized radiocarbon dating on cremated human remains and charcoal found at the site to ascertain the stone’s age. The results date the inscriptions between 50 BC and 275 AD, making them the earliest known example of runic writing carved into stone.
Dr. Kristel Zilmer, professor of runology at the University of Oslo said, “This find will give us a lot of knowledge about the use of runes in the early Iron Age. This may be one of the first attempts to use runes in Norway and Scandinavia on stone.”
Exciting news from Norway today: the discovery of the oldest known rune stone!
Up to 2000 years old, it covered a grave of burnt bones. One of the inscriptions translates as idiberug – maybe the name of a woman called Idibera. Was this her grave? 🤯
📸 KHM/Alexis Pantos pic.twitter.com/WECsf7mFdf
— Prof Cat Jarman FSA💀 (@CatJarman) January 17, 2023
Some symbols on the stone suggest a transition from decorative carvings to a more structured communication system.
The intentional breaking and distribution of the stone could have symbolized a connection between graves, linking different generations through a shared artifact.
Shifting perspectives on rune stones
The discovery raises new questions about the function of rune stones in early Scandinavian society. Were they first used as grave markers and later fragmented to honor other burials? If so, this supports the idea that rune stones had both practical and ceremonial roles.
Archaeologists now emphasize the need to examine stone fragments from burial sites more closely. Some may contain overlooked inscriptions that could offer further insights into early writing practices.
As discoveries unfold, the study of runes continues to evolve, shedding light on the lives, beliefs, and traditions of early Scandinavian societies.
The Svingerud rune stone adds another layer to this history, offering a rare glimpse into how ancient cultures used writing to honor the dead and connect generations.
Runes were the letters used to write Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet, the oldest of which were in use until c. AD 700. However, how these runes originated and were utilised is unclear. 2/15 pic.twitter.com/Rvjlq7meeE
— 🅰ntiquity Journal (@AntiquityJ) February 3, 2025