A significant archaeological discovery in Austria has revealed Europe's largest known collection of Iron Age iron bars, estimated to weigh over a metric ton. Found during gravel extraction in Deinham, the 500 bars may have been lost in a shipwreck on the Danube River more than 2,000 years ago. Researchers suggest that these bars could have been used to forge around 500 swords. The find sheds light on the scale of ancient iron production and trade during the Iron Age, with implications for understanding historical trade routes and production capabilities.
Key facts
- The discovery includes at least 500 Iron Age iron bars.
- The total weight of the bars exceeds one metric ton.
- The bars were found in Deinham, Austria, during gravel extraction in 2019.
- Radiocarbon dating indicates the bars date to the third or second century B.C.
- The find may provide insights into ancient iron production and trade.
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