1500-year-old reindeer trap discovered in Norway. It was hidden beneath the ice

The discovery was made when the ice melted and also includes several hunting artifacts and, interestingly, a boat oar.

Archaeologists working high in the icy mountains of Aurlandsfjellet, Norway, have discovered a reindeer trapping facility Remarkably well-preserved, 1500 years old, along with a collection of rare wooden objects, including an intricately carved boat oar, found more than 1400 meters above sea level.

The discovery, described by researchers as unprecedented in both Norway and Europe, offers new information about the ancient hunting practices and the effects of climate change on archaeological preservation.

Excavation, ongoing since August, has revealed two large wooden barriers constructed from hundreds of tree branches. Researchers believe that these structures formed a sophisticated mass capture system or a hunting shelter designed to direct reindeer to slaughter areas. The clusters of reindeer antlers scattered around the site bear cut marks, indicating that the animals were captured, slaughtered and possibly processed directly on the mountain.

“This is probably a unique archaeological siteabout 1,500 years old, which is melting from the ice before our eyes,” said Leif Inge Åstveit, an archaeologist at the University Museum of Bergen. The cold, snowy climate of the mid-sixth century helped preserve the site. As conditions became more severe, hunters abandoned the area, and the structures and antlers became sealed under layers of snow and ice, says .

Along with the trap, archaeologists unearthed hunting equipmentincluding iron-tipped spears, wooden arrows and three bows. They also recovered a delicately carved horn brooch, shaped like a miniature axe, possibly dropped by a hunter during a hunt, as well as a clothes pin made of horn.

But perhaps the most intriguing discovery is a decorated pine oarfound far above any known ancient watercourse. Its purpose remains unclear, and researchers hope that additional analyzes in the coming years will clarify how and why this object was taken to the mountain.

“These are items that we would never find in ordinary excavations,” said Åstveit. “The horn and the wood, exceptionally well preservedwill contribute significantly to the investigation.”

As ice continues to retreat due to climate change, archaeologists expect more long-buried sites to come to light, offering rare opportunities to study ancient life.