The discovery, first spotted by a local hiker, has drawn attention from historians and archaeologists alike. The site, believed to be from the sixth century, was preserved by cold temperatures and the slow accumulation of ice and snow, which eventually led to its abandonment. As temperatures rise due to global warming, however, these ancient artifacts are being revealed, offering a unique opportunity to study them in detail.
A Unique Discovery in the Aurlandsfjellet Mountains
Situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in western Norway, the Aurlandsfjellet area has long been a place of interest for archaeologists, but the discovery of such a well-preserved reindeer trap is unprecedented. The site, consisting of two large wooden fences and a pen where the reindeer were likely trapped, is considered the first of its kind discovered in Norway, and possibly in Europe. Leif Inge Åstveit, an archaeologist at the University Museum of Bergen, describes the site as “unique,” highlighting the rarity of finding such a large, systematic trapping facility.
The mass trapping facility, composed of wooden logs meticulously arranged, would have funneled reindeer into an enclosed space where they were killed. This method of hunting shows that the capture was likely planned and organized, rather than being a random event. The surrounding area also revealed several reindeer antlers, many of which were marked with cut marks, suggesting that the animals were processed on-site.
Insights into Ancient Hunting Tools and Practices
Along with the trapping system, the archaeologists uncovered numerous hunting tools, including iron spearheads, wooden arrow shafts, and fragments of bows. These findings suggest that the trapping system was part of a broader set of practices designed to efficiently hunt and process reindeer. A particularly striking discovery was a small, intricately carved pin made from antler, which may have been lost during a hunt or battle. Such items, Åstveit noted, are rare and offer valuable clues into the lives of those who once used the site for hunting.
The artifacts found at the site appear to be directly linked to the hunt itself, providing a snapshot of the tools and materials used by early Iron Age communities in the region. As the site is studied further, experts hope to learn more about the social and cultural practices of the time, as well as the role of reindeer hunting in these societies.
The Role of Climate Change in Preserving the Past
The preservation of the reindeer trap is largely due to the ice that covered the site for centuries. According to Åstveit, the cooling period in the mid-sixth century likely led to an increase in snow and ice in the region, burying the trap shortly after it was abandoned. This frozen environment acted as a natural preservative, allowing wooden and organic materials like reindeer antlers to survive much longer than they would have in warmer conditions.
However, this once-beneficial ice is now being threatened by rising temperatures caused by climate change. As the ice melts, more ancient artifacts are being uncovered, but it is also a race against time to document and preserve these finds before they deteriorate. This paradox, where climate change both reveals and threatens historical treasures, is a growing concern for archaeologists in the region.
In recent years, several other ancient artifacts have been found in Norway’s melting glaciers, including Viking-era objects and even a 1,700-year-old sandal. Each discovery offers a window into a past that would otherwise have remained hidden beneath the ice. For Åstveit and his team, the reindeer trap marks a significant find that will continue to shape our understanding of early Scandinavian hunting practices.