Photo: Thomas Schüpbach (Journal of Archaeological Science)
In Mörigen, Switzerland, archaeologists have made significant discoveries shedding light on the utilization of meteoritic iron in prehistoric Europe. The findings were recently published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.1
The research, conducted in Switzerland, has brought to light compelling evidence of meteoritic iron artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, thus illuminating the early human engagement with extraterrestrial materials.
The study presents a compelling narrative of ancient craftsmanship and trade, alongside the formidable challenges confronted by researchers in the identification and comprehension of buried meteorites from antiquity.
Meteoritic Iron: A Precious Resource in Prehistoric Times
In antiquity, prior to the emergence of the Iron Age, ancient societies spanning Eurasia and northern Africa possessed access to metallic iron in the form of rare meteoritic iron. The utilization of such celestial materials was evident in various regions, including Turkey, Greece, the Middle East, Russia, and China, with ample evidence of its use. Nevertheless, in central and western Europe, the unearthing of meteoritic iron artifacts remained scarce, with only two known sites in Poland displaying such findings.
The scarcity of meteoritic iron artifacts in European regions prompted inquiries regarding the knowledge and availability of these celestial materials during the Bronze Age. However, recent findings from a new study are reshaping the scholarly understanding, as they reveal that iron meteorites were indeed employed and exchanged in Central Europe as early as 800 BCE, and potentially even earlier.
Photo: Tschubby (Wikimedia) ©️CC BY-SA 3.0
This groundbreaking research centers on an arrowhead unearthed at a late Bronze Age site in Mörigen, Switzerland, situated along the shores of Lake Biel. The arrowhead, made from meteoritic iron, exhibits a distinct flat, artificially deformed shape, indicative of either cold or hot working during its production.
Comprehensive analysis confirms the meteoritic origin of the arrowhead, associating it with the IAB iron meteorite complex. The presence of nickel-poor and nickel-rich iron metal suggests a layered structure characteristic of octahedritic meteorites, supporting its celestial provenance.
The researchers’ use of non-destructive methods, including Muon Induced X-ray Emission, gamma spectrometry, and X-ray fluorescence, provided vital data about the meteorite’s size, nickel content, and characteristic elements, aiding in the verification of its celestial origin.
Beyond the arrowhead’s intrinsic characteristics, the study revealed fascinating details about its past. Traces of oxidation and elements like arsenic and copper hinted at possible contamination from ore/bronze working or dust during storage. Additionally, organic material found on the arrowhead likely represented remnants of wood tar used to attach it to an arrow, providing a glimpse into the ancient craftsmanship techniques.
Meteorite’s Origin
One of the most intriguing aspects of the study was determining the possible source of the meteorite that birthed the Mörigen arrowhead. Through a meticulous process of elimination, researchers identified three potential candidates from the IAB iron meteorite complex:
- Bohumilitz in Czechia
- Retuerte de Bullaque in Spain
- Kaalijarv in Estonia
Among the three, Kaalijarv emerged as the most probable source, given its Bronze Age impact age and its location within an inhabited area. The researchers believe that this meteorite could have impacted Estonia around 1500 BCE, potentially leading to fragments of it being traded alongside amber from the Baltic region.
Meteoritic Iron in Ancient Societies
Throughout recorded history, ancient societies exhibited a profound fascination with celestial phenomena, attributing mystical and symbolic significance to the cosmos. Among the celestial materials that captured their imagination, meteoritic iron stood as a rare and enigmatic resource, believed to possess otherworldly origins. The role of meteoritic iron in ancient societies was multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of cultural, technological, and spiritual significance.
Primarily valued for its exceptional rarity and perceived divine origin, meteoritic iron held a unique and esteemed position in ancient societies. Unlike terrestrial iron, which was obtained through mining and metallurgical processes, meteoritic iron arrived on Earth through the impact of meteorites, celestial bodies that streaked across the sky. The very nature of this material’s arrival from the heavens engendered a sense of awe and wonder, inspiring myths and legends that often associated meteorites with the acts of celestial deities or messengers from beyond.
Within the realm of ancient metalworking, meteoritic iron presented a challenge and an opportunity. Crafting objects from meteoritic iron demanded specialized knowledge and skill due to its unique composition and varying structural properties. Ancient artisans had to adapt their techniques to accommodate this uncommon material, employing distinctive methods to smelt and forge meteoritic iron into tools, weapons, or ornamental artifacts. Consequently, these meteoritic iron objects became highly prized symbols of craftsmanship and ingenuity, reflecting the artistic prowess of the cultures that fashioned them.
Beyond its utilitarian and artistic roles, meteoritic iron also held religious and spiritual significance. Ancient belief systems often incorporated celestial bodies and natural phenomena into their cosmologies, attributing mystical properties and divine connections to meteorites and their iron content. The celestial origin of meteoritic iron tied it to the heavens and the cosmic forces perceived as governing human existence. As a result, meteoritic iron objects were frequently employed in religious rituals, buried alongside esteemed individuals in funerary practices, or used as offerings to appease deities.
The procurement and distribution of meteoritic iron sparked trade and cultural interactions across ancient civilizations. Obtaining this rare resource demanded connections with distant regions, fostering the exchange of not only physical commodities but also ideas, beliefs, and technological innovations. The trade of meteoritic iron likely contributed to the establishment of networks that facilitated cultural diffusion, influencing art, metallurgy, and spiritual practices in diverse communities.
However, despite its remarkable significance, the scarcity of meteoritic iron artifacts within the archaeological record has posed challenges to fully grasping its impact on ancient societies. As the Mörigen arrowhead discovery demonstrated, there might be more hidden artifacts waiting to be unearthed, offering additional insights into the widespread usage and cultural significance of meteoritic iron. In-depth archaeological investigations and interdisciplinary research are essential to further unraveling the complexities surrounding the role of meteoritic iron in shaping ancient civilizations’ cultural, technological, and spiritual landscape.
- “An arrowhead made of meteoritic … Mörigen, Switzerland and its possible source“, Beda A. Hofmann et al. Journal of Archaeological Science, Volume 157, September 2023[↩]