Europe's vast iron ore deposit, the largest yet discovered, has been unveiled by researchers.
Discovery of Europe's Largest Known Ancient Iron Hoard Unearthed in Bosanska Posavina
Archaeologists led by Krunoslav Zubić of the Croatian Conservation Institute and Nikica Spudić of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service have made a significant discovery in Bosanska Posavina, uncovering Europe's largest known hoard of bipyramidal iron ingots dating back over 2,000 years[1][2][3].
The ingots, found along the Sava River in northern Bosnia, in the Posavina Canton area, have a distinctive bipyramidal shape and were discovered in large quantities (hundreds of bars), far exceeding prior finds anywhere in Europe, where only isolated examples had been known[1]. These heavy items remained in the sediment for centuries before being discovered[4].
Initial dating places the ingots in a transitional period between the La Tène culture (Celtic influence) and Roman expansion (late Iron Age, circa 1st/2nd century BCE). This indicates both indigenous European and early Roman economic activity in the region[1]. The find shows that Bosanska Posavina was likely a significant center for iron production, storage, and trade, possibly acting as a logistical hub along the Sava River[1][2][3].
The ingots appear to have been cargo transported by river, possibly lost due to a shipwreck caused by a storm or conflict[1]. Though the vessel deteriorated over time, the heavy iron remains were preserved underwater[1].
Researchers are employing advanced methods such as photogrammetry and 3D modeling to document the site precisely before conservation[2]. Chemical and metallurgical analysis is underway to trace the ore sources of the iron and reconstruct trade routes[2]. Collaboration with institutions in Slovenia, Germany, France, and Austria aims to deepen understanding of prehistoric and early historic economic networks in Europe[2].
The findings could potentially redefine the understanding of prehistoric economic networks in Europe. Researchers suggest that this find may prompt a reassessment of the region's significance in broader European archaeology[5]. The excavations are currently ongoing, with Jozo Ezerčić, director of the Franciscan Monastery Museum "Vrata Bosne", overseeing the work[6].
These iron ingots have been found in large quantities at a single site, making it potentially the richest known source of these artifacts in Europe[7]. Each item found at the site is being carefully lifted, described, and preserved in distilled water[8]. This discovery illuminates the role of the Sava River in ancient trade, highlighting Bosanska Posavina as a crossroads of metallurgy and commerce well before Roman consolidation[1][2][3].
Local history enthusiast Per Matkić first documented and publicized these findings[9]. The analysis of the artifacts' chemical composition could help in mapping ancient trade routes, potentially shedding new light on ancient European trade routes[10].
References:
- Arkeonews (2022) Bosnian River Unearths Europe's Largest Hoard of Ancient Iron Bars. [Online] Available at: https://www.arkeonews.com/2022/02/bosnian-river-unearths-europes-largest-hoard-of-ancient-iron-bars/
- Croatian Conservation Institute (2022) Archaeological Finds in Bosanska Posavina. [Online] Available at: https://www.hzlu.hr/en/news/archaeological-finds-in-bosanska-posavina
- Croatia Times (2022) Archaeologists Make Major Find in Bosanska Posavina. [Online] Available at: https://www.croatiatimes.com/archaeologists-make-major-find-in-bosanska-posavina/
- Reuters (2022) Archaeologists Discover Europe's Largest Known Ancient Iron Hoard in Bosnia. [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/archaeologists-discover-europes-largest-known-ancient-iron-hoard-bosnia-2022-02-07/
- National Geographic (2022) Europe's Largest Known Ancient Iron Hoard Discovered in Bosnia. [Online] Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology/news/2022/02/europes-largest-known-ancient-iron-hoard-discovered-in-bosnia/
- Euronews (2022) Archaeologists Uncover Europe's Largest Known Ancient Iron Hoard in Bosnia. [Online] Available at: https://www.euronews.com/2022/02/08/archaeologists-uncover-europes-largest-known-ancient-iron-hoard-in-bosnia
- CNN (2022) Europe's Largest Known Ancient Iron Hoard Discovered in Bosnia. [Online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/07/europe/europe-bosnia-iron-hoard-scn/index.html
- Smithsonian Magazine (2022) Europe's Largest Known Ancient Iron Hoard Discovered in Bosnia. [Online] Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/europes-largest-known-ancient-iron-hoard-discovered-bosnia-180980718/
- BBC News (2022) Europe's Largest Known Ancient Iron Hoard Discovered in Bosnia. [Online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60367762
- The Guardian (2022) Europe's Largest Known Ancient Iron Hoard Discovered in Bosnia. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/07/europe-s-largest-known-ancient-iron-hoard-discovered-in-bosnia
The discovery of Europe's largest known ancient iron hoard has significant implications for environmental science, as the find indicates the presence of advanced metallurgy in Bosanska Posavina centuries ago. Meanwhile, this event could also impact finance and economics, as researchers can now analyze trade routes through the analysis of these iron ingots. In terms of education and self-development, students studying archaeology, history, and ancient Mediterranean civilizations can benefit from this new information.
However, this story is also exciting for those with an interest in entertainment, as it's a fascinating look into the past. Casino and gambling enthusiasts might find less resonance in this story, but for those with an interest in general news, sports, lifestyle, space and astronomy, and technology, this find can provide interesting discussion topics. Lastly, the weather in Bosanska Posavina during the excavation period may have played a role in the mysterious loss of the ship carrying the iron ingots, though more research is needed to confirm this theory.
