About 3200 years ago, two armies clashed at a river crossing near the Baltic Sea. The confrontation can’t be found in any history books—the written word didn’t become common in these parts for another 2000 years—but this was no skirmish between local clans. Thousands of warriors came together in a brutal struggle, perhaps fought on a single day, using weapons crafted from wood, flint, and bronze, a metal that was then the height of military technology.
Struggling to find solid footing on the banks of the Tollense River, a narrow ribbon of water that flows through the marshes of northern Germany toward the Baltic Sea, the armies fought hand-to-hand, maiming and killing with war clubs, spears, swords, and knives. Bronze- and flint-tipped arrows were loosed at close range, piercing skulls and lodging deep into the bones of young men. Horses belonging to high-ranking warriors crumpled into the muck, fatally speared. Not everyone stood their ground in the melee: Some warriors broke and ran, and were struck down from behind.
That is the most fascinating article I've read in a very long time! I absolutely love reading about history that we're just finding out about.
ReplyDeleteBut I did have to have a giggle about Bronze Age Europe being considered a peaceful place... somebody hasn't paid attention to the rest of history!
Yes, there are a few statements in the article that caused me to roll my eyes. :)) But all in all, I was mesmerized. Reading this set my imagination into overdrive! Good stuff.
DeleteSomebody really ought to write a novel around this. :-) :-)
DeleteThat's was my first thought Lyana!
Delete/raising my hand high in the air
Maybe when I retire. If I ever do! :))
This reminds of a story I read about 20 years ago. It was about a body that had been found in the alps that appeared to be a murder victim. Once officials became involved in the case, they realized that the body was about 3000 years old. Apparently the body was lodged in a glacier shortly after death and had recently come out of it. I don't remember all of the details, but it was also a fascinating story.
ReplyDeleteIceman!
ReplyDelete