ZME Science
  • News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Future
  • Space
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
      • Culture & Society
      • Bizarre Stories
      • Lifestyle
      • Art and Music
      • Gaming
      • Books
      • Movies and Shows
    • Resources
      • How To
      • Science Careers
      • Metascience
      • Fringe Science
      • Science Experiments
      • School and Study
  • Reviews
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Anthropology
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Electronics
    • Geology
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • Nanotechnology
    • Economics
    • Paleontology
    • Physics
    • Psychology
    • Robotics
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science → Archaeology

Archaeologists find Stone Age arrow trapped in ice in Norway

A 4,000-year-old discovery emerges from the melting ice.

Tibi Puiu by Tibi Puiu
September 8, 2023
in Archaeology, News
Edited and reviewed by Zoe Gordon
stone age arrow
Credit: Secrets of the Ice.

Many hikers are drawn to the majestic Mount Lauvhøe in Norway's Lom Municipality. But for archaeologists, members of Secrets of the Ice, hiking through Lauvhøe is more than just a thrilling challenge. For years, they’ve scoured the mountain’s frigid paths for signs of prehistoric artifacts. They finally struck gold with the discovery of a 4,000-year-old arrow shaft.  

The Ice's Hidden Treasures

Previously, archaeologists from Secrets of the Ice, a glacial archaeology organization affiliated with Norway's Department of Cultural Heritage, had found quite a few arrow shafts dating from the Iron and Middle Ages. During one expedition, the Norwegian archaeologists even found a 4th-century AD Roman sandal.

Now, in the same vicinity, they found something much older after the ice at the site melted. The recent find predates other artifacts found at Lauvhøe by at least 2,000 years, judging from the arrow’s shape and craftsmanship. The pressure-flaked stone projectile is typical of Stone Age technology. The scientists will know for sure when they submit a wood sample for radiocarbon dating once the field season (period for archeological work in the area) concludes.  

arrow shaft stone age
Credit: Secrets of the Ice.

Hunters of Yore

This arrow shaft was likely employed by ancient hunters pursuing reindeer. These creatures would ascend to the icy heights during summer, seeking refuge from pesky flies. Stone Age hunters likely stalked this prey, waiting for the right moment to shoot their arrows — but this one must have missed, plunging into the snow.

The hunter lost his arrow but, on the bright side for us, it has been preserved for future generations. "Sad for the hunter but a bull's eye for archaeology!" Lars Holger Pilø, co-director of Secrets of the Ice, told NPR.

The site of this discovery is one among 66 ice sites in Norway. These icy vaults have safeguarded over 4,000 archeological finds. It's like nature's own museum, where time stands still. As one of the archeologists beautifully put it, "The ice is a time machine: It brings precious objects from the past to our time in an unaltered state, like sleeping beauties."

As the ice melts and reveals its secrets, we're given a rare opportunity to connect with our ancestors and the world they inhabited. Who knows what ancient stories will surface next from Lauvhøe.

ADVERTISEMENT
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2023 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Future
  • Space
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
      • Culture & Society
      • Bizarre Stories
      • Lifestyle
      • Art and Music
      • Gaming
      • Books
      • Movies and Shows
    • Resources
      • How To
      • Science Careers
      • Metascience
      • Fringe Science
      • Science Experiments
      • School and Study
  • Reviews
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Anthropology
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Electronics
    • Geology
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • Nanotechnology
    • Economics
    • Paleontology
    • Physics
    • Psychology
    • Robotics
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2023 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

Don't you want to get smarter every day?

YES, sign me up!

Over 35,000 subscribers can't be wrong. Don't worry, we never spam. By signing up you agree to our privacy policy.

✕
ZME Science News

FREE
VIEW