These artifacts were found in a rock bunker near the glacier at the top of Lótschenpass, which is about 8,800 feet (2,700 meters) long. In the Berne Alps,
Bows and arrows, food boxes and other objects are believed to belong to hunters or herders in the Bronze Age, who took refuge under a big stone near the top of the mountain pass 4000 years ago. These findings were published this week. Gouble told Live Science that in 20 1 1 year, Beat Dietrich, the caretaker of a nearby mountain cabin, found this place while walking his dog near the mountain pass. Part of the Neve River-the long-term snowfield at the top of the glacier-melted more than usual, revealing some ancient pieces of wood and leather.
Gubul and other archaeologists from bern state Archaeological Bureau investigated the site that year and found several objects in an excavation on 20 12, but the bad weather prevented them from finishing the excavation before the arrival of winter.
"Since then, we have snowed here, but we can finish it this year," said Guble. It was a warm summer, and there was not much snow in winter. This combination melts the snow.
The latest findings of ancient mountaineers discovered by researchers in September include four pieces of elm wood, which may be the wood of two bronze age bows or shafts. Guble said that a rope made of ancient leather strips and animal fibers connects buttons made of horns.
In the excavation of 20 12, the curved part of the elm and three flint arrows were found. According to the inspection of Berne Archaeological Bureau, a horn-shaped container and a wooden box for grinding flour were found.
Carbon dating shows that these objects originated between 2000 BC and 1800 BC.
It is the top of Rochefort Pass in Berne Alps, Switzerland. (Kathrin Glauser/ bern state Archaeological Bureau) Gouble explained that these artifacts came from a place with an area of about 265,438+0 square feet (2 square meters), in a hole in the rock below the top of the mountain pass.
This discovery shows that about 400 years ago, a person or a small group of people hid in a cave and left something behind. She said:
"At an altitude of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet), the wind may be strong, but this cave is hidden, because" we found ourselves while working there, "Guble said." We thought it might be a refuge under a big stone, but in recent years, this stone must have been broken. "
Bows and arrows indicate that bronze age climbers may be hunters: this mountain pass is still a major hunting area today, with many wild animals, such as antelopes and wild goats. "。 However, she added, they may also be herders carrying bows and arrows to protect their animals from predators such as bears and wolves.
Flour was found on the wooden container found in the archaeological site of 20 12 Alps. Tests show that it once contained a kind of coarse flour made of various grains (including wheat). According to a study published in Science Report in June, rye, barley and barley.
Gouble believes that this box is used to hold dry flour, which can be mixed with water or milk before eating. "If you bring flour, it will be lighter," she said.
Bronze age climbers can choose to include the same reason, they are made of wood. "You can't take the pottery up the hill-it's too heavy."
According to Guble, this 4,000-year-old cultural relic is the oldest found at the Lozburg Pass, although medieval and iron age wood and leather were also found near the cave.
"It has been found in other places, but this cave is the most interesting part of the whole mountain pass," she said. If you walk across the glacier, you can walk there, which will be the best way to get down from the glacier and cross the mountain pass.
She said that this discovery confirmed the historical record and showed that the mountain pass has been the main route for hunters, herders and businessmen for centuries, from Bern and Oberlin to the valleys in the north and south. And there may be more secrets hidden in this area.
"I think there's more to be discovered in gateway. Generally speaking, it's not finished yet," Gouble said. We will have to pay close attention to the whole area-we may not find all the interesting corners in this article.
Original articles on life sciences.