Ancient Iron Hoard Discovered in Austria Could Forge 500 Swords

Archaeologists have identified Europe's largest known collection of Iron Age iron bars in Austria, potentially lost in a shipwreck on the Danube River more than 2,000 years ago. The discovery, consisting of at least 500 bars weighing over a metric ton, is considered the most significant find of its kind in Europe. These bars would have been highly valuable during the Iron Age when iron production and trade were expanding across the continent.

The iron bars were discovered in 2019 by workers engaged in gravel extraction in Deinham, Austria. Researchers from the University of Innsbruck used radiocarbon dating to place the artifacts in the third or second century B.C. The cargo may have originated in Bavaria, Germany, and was likely transported along the Danube River.

Researchers estimate that the amount of iron recovered could have been used to forge approximately 500 swords, each weighing between 3.3 and 4.4 pounds. However, the iron could also have been used for tools or other items. The discovery offers new insights into the scale of ancient iron production and trade, which has been difficult to quantify due to the nature of iron artifacts.

"This finding demonstrates the increased capacities of iron production that were reached in the 3rd/2nd century BC in the Danube region," stated Professor Peter Trebsche of the University of Innsbruck. He expressed gratitude that the workers reported the find to the Monuments Authority instead of selling it to a scrap dealer, emphasizing that it was a "minor miracle" the trove was preserved. The bars were found in an old, silt-filled channel of the Danube, and a shipwreck is considered the most plausible explanation for their presence, despite no vessel remains being recovered.

Recent years have seen several significant Iron Age discoveries across Europe, including a 2,000-year-old temple in Denmark and the remains of a four-wheeled wagon found among a large treasure trove in northern England.