Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered new details about the world’s oldest known rune stone, first revealed in 2023. New research suggests that the nearly 2,000-year-old inscriptions were originally part of a larger slab, which was later broken and repurposed in different burials. Scientists are now working to reassemble the fragments, hoping to decipher the ancient carvings and uncover their true purpose. Researchers are cautious about linking the name on Hole 2 with the inscriber of Hole 3 until further study is carried out. The discovery site in Hole municipality, northwest of Oslo, had previously revealed three grave mounds. A recent excavation uncovered a fourth burial mound and two flat graves. Inside a cremation pit, researchers found the remains of an adult, along with pottery, brooches, belt fragments, and a rune-inscribed sandstone slab. The fragments were found between 50 BC and AD 275, making them the earliest known runic inscriptions on stone. The stone’s purpose may have changed over time, possibly serving as a memorial or ritual object.
