Ancient Secrets Unearthed: German Father and Sons Stumble Upon 3,500-Year-Old Dagger in Forest Walk
“I am very pleased that everything was reported correctly,” said Daniel Scherf, an archaeologist with the State Office.
According to Scherf, a find like this is very exciting and uncommon. The dagger is incredibly well preserved, making the find all the more exceptional.
“Objects like this are not everyday discoveries. To see a Bronze Age dagger so well preserved is something truly special,” Scherf explained.
The History Behind The Bronze Age Dagger Found In The Forest Near Gudersleben
Daggers such as this one served as tools more so than weapons. Owning one was a way to signify status and power. They were also used in ritualistic contexts in early European societies.
To make a dagger like this one required skill in not only crafting the blade, but also forming the handle, which was usually made out of wood, bone, or antler. Impeccable craftsmanship was required for the dagger to survive repeated use in various ceremonies or perhaps even in battle.
Matthias Bein/dpaThe dagger is nearly eight inches long and is made of bronze.
Because bronze was such a prized resource, the dagger was likely a valued possession. While archaeologists don’t know who owned the dagger, it’s likely it was someone of high status, such as a warrior or a leader. It’s also possible that the dagger was ultimately left where it was as a funerary offering.
The dagger dates back to somewhere in the middle of the Bronze Age, between 1800 and 1400 B.C.E. Archaeologists will be able to determine a more exact age once they begin further analysis of the artifact.
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