What's Happening?
A 2,400-year-old fingerprint has been discovered on the Hjortspring boat, Scandinavia's oldest plank boat, by researchers from Lund University and the University of Gothenburg. The fingerprint, found in the caulking tar of the vessel, likely belongs to
someone who helped repair the boat. The Hjortspring boat, excavated in the 1920s and displayed at the National Museum of Denmark, is believed to have been part of a fleet used for attacks in the 4th century B.C.E. The research team used advanced techniques like 3D modeling and carbon dating to study the boat, revealing that it was produced during Scandinavia's pre-Roman Iron Age.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of the fingerprint provides a tangible connection to the ancient seafarers who used the Hjortspring boat, offering insights into their lives and maritime practices. This finding enhances our understanding of early European maritime history and the technological capabilities of ancient societies. The research also challenges previous assumptions about the boat's origins, suggesting it may have come from the Baltic Sea region rather than near modern-day Hamburg. This revelation highlights the extensive maritime networks and the strategic planning of ancient warriors, who undertook long sea voyages for raids.
What's Next?
Researchers plan to further analyze the boat's materials, including tree rings and caulking tar, to gain more precise information about its origins and the people who used it. The potential extraction of ancient DNA from the caulking tar could provide deeper insights into the genetic makeup of the ancient seafarers. These studies may lead to a reevaluation of historical narratives regarding early European maritime activities and influence future archaeological methodologies.
