In the picturesque landscape of Switzerland, the late Bronze Age pile-dwelling site of Mörigen has long been a treasure trove for archaeologists. Yet, a recent discovery has added a celestial twist to the historical narrative of this region. An arrowhead, unlike any other, has been unearthed, revealing a composition of meteoritic iron.
The arrowhead’s unique iron-nickel-aluminium alloy composition was determined through meticulous analysis using electron-microscope images, X-rays, and high-energy radiation. When compared with known meteorite samples, the results were astonishing. This arrowhead was indeed made from a meteorite, a rare find in central and western Europe, with only a bracelet and an ax head from Poland sharing similar origins.
Switzerland’s Mörigen site has previously yielded a series of bronze arrowheads, but this is the first meteorite-related find. The proximity of a meteorite fall near the site adds to the intrigue. However, chemical evidence suggests that the Twannberg meteorite, known to have fallen nearby, was not the source of this particular arrowhead.
This discovery opens up new avenues of exploration, hinting at a larger network linking Switzerland and Estonia for the trade of commodities such as amber, silex stones, and iron meteorites. The meteorite arrowhead could be a symbol of a connection that transcends geographical boundaries, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient civilizations.
The celestial relic from Mörigen is more than just an artifact; it’s a glimpse into a world where the heavens and the earth were intertwined, where meteorites were not merely celestial phenomena but materials to be crafted and utilized. This discovery enriches our understanding of the Bronze Age and the complex trade networks that once flourished.
Source: Ancient Arrowhead Made of Meteorite Material Found in Switzerland – ARTnews.com
Ruins and Relics 