In Norway, archaeologists from the University Museum of Bergen excavated a small burial iron age and found in it the remains of a Roman Board game somewhat reminiscent of chess.
As reported Phys.org the researchers also carried out excavations in April of this year. A small iron age burial was found on the West of Norway, near the town of Sochi-Fosse.
He was part of the ancient sea route, known as Nordvegen. This path was later given the name Norway. This whole area is dotted with monumental burial mounds. By the way, it was a symbol of power – monumentality was designed to impress the traders.
unearthed In the tomb, the scientists found three ceramic vessel with cremated human remains. Also found were artifacts, including a fragment of annealed glass and a bronze pin. But the most intriguing find came game 18 dice and figurines carved from bone.
the Exact age of these artifacts until the install failed. The researchers suggest that the game was made no earlier than the first ad and no later than 400 years.
For Scandinavia this is an extremely rare find. But this kind of strategy games was in the course of the Roman Empire. By the way, earlier in Denmark was discovered the Board. Scientists believe that it was used for the same game as the items found in a Norwegian grave.
This indicates that the Germanic tribes, then living in the area, actively playing Board games. The most popular Roman game similar to chess, was a game called Ludus latrunculorum. By the way, in Scandinavia she has also appeared in the iron age.
over the centuries the game was transformed and got its own name – Hnefatafl. It was very popular in the Viking age from 750 to 1050 BC.
as for the finds, they are sent to a testing laboratory. Scientists will not only accurately identify and date them, but also to conduct chemical analysis. The latter may show the region in which this game was made.
