Archaeologists in Sweden have discovered rare prehistoric treasures that had been perfectly preserved in a bog for over 5,000 years, writes Uspeh in UA.
This “time capsule” found near Järna contains wooden structures that experts believe were used by hunter-gatherers to transport people across a lake, tsn.ua reports.
In addition to wooden structures made from logs, piles and vines, the researchers found: carved sticks that could have been used for walking; remains of wickerwork that were probably food baskets or fishing nets.
These artifacts date back to the Neolithic era, when people lived in nomadic communities and hunted before they began farming. At that time, there was an ancient lake at the site of the discovery, the banks of which were overgrown with sea buckthorn, an important nutritious plant for those times.
5,000-year-old ‘time capsule’ found in Sweden
Experts believe the wooden structures were part of a complex system of footbridges that allowed people to reach remote parts of the lake, perhaps to collect sea buckthorn or for fishing.
The secret of their perfect preservation lies in the unique conditions of the bog: low oxygen levels (there is almost no oxygen in peatlands, which prevents the decay of organic materials such as wood, leather and fabric), high acidity (bog acids act as a natural preservative, like tissue and fabric. so-called bog bodies – human remains found in the bogs of Northern Europe.
Thanks to this discovery, experts plan to create a 3D model of the find so that anyone can take a “virtual walk” along the ancient bridge. This will help recreate the Stone Age environment and better understand the lives of our ancestors.
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Scientists suggest that the find is associated with the Pitted Ware culture – a group of hunter-gatherers who lived in southern Scandinavia between about 3500 and 2300 BC. This culture was distinguished in that it specialized in marine industry (seal hunting and fishing), even though agriculture had already spread.
