New Interpretation of Viking Age Runes Provides Insights into Monetary System
Discovery Sheds Light on Early Writing in Scandinavia
Forsa Ring Inscription Offers Glimpse into Economic Practices
A new interpretation of the runic inscription on the Forsa Ring (Forsaringen in Swedish) has provided fresh insights into the Viking Age monetary system.
The Forsa Ring, a metal hoop around 43 centimeters (nearly 17 inches) in diameter, was likely used as a door handle and is inscribed with runes.
Dubbed the Svingerud Stone after the site on which it was found, it has been radiocarbon-dated to 1 to 250 CE, during the early Iron Age.
- Rune stone examples of early written words in Scandinavia.
- Inscriptions contribute to understanding Viking Age monetary practices.
The new interpretation of the inscription suggests that the ring was used as a form of currency or value token.
This interpretation is based on the presence of the word "fehu," which is the Old Norse word for cattle and was often used as a unit of currency in the Viking Age.
The inscription also includes other words that are related to trade and commerce, such as "buy" and "sell." According to a study published in the journal "Futhark: International Journal of Runic Studies," the inscription reads: "Cattle, 40 - I own it." The figure 40 may refer to the value of the ring in cattle, or to a specific number of cattle that were used to purchase the ring.
This new interpretation of the Forsa Ring inscription provides valuable insights into the economic practices of the Viking Age.
It also demonstrates the importance of studying runic inscriptions to gain a better understanding of Scandinavian history and culture.
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