An antidote to boring history
There is something fascinating in the story found in the most unexpected places, such as lots of garbage from past times. While some can see only waste, archaeologists see clues to unravel ancient mysteries. Recent discoveries in Norway reveal that our Vikings friends had a very peculiar technique to make their beer: hot stones!
Life on Norway farms
The story about the development of farms in Norway is, in many ways, a puzzle yet to solve. Geir Grønnesby, archaeologist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), is hunting for answers. According to him, those lots of hot stones found in the old agricultural land are more than simple objects; They are crucial clues about life in the Viking era.
The unexpected encounter with the past
Grønnesby has been making excavations on several farms, finding dates that date back to 600 A.D. Things are complicated when they realize that stones are an omnipresent constant in archaeological sites, and not any stone, but those used to heat beer recipes.
Viking beer secrets
It is not a new idea. The practice of using hot stones to cook and make beer dates back even to previous times and has been observed in other parts of Europe, such as England and Germany. But how important these rocks were in the Viking tradition? The answer is revealed through historical records and excavations that reveal fascinating old practices.
The social drink of the past
There are documents that show the uniqueness of beer manufacturing in Viking times. In the Gulating Assembly, which operated between 900 and 1300, even the rituals around beer manufacturing were legislated. Three farmers had to collaborate, thus ensuring that the drink not only had a good taste, but also complied with the social norms of time.
Of treasures hidden to archaeological knowledge
The lots of stones are not only a vestige of beer practices; They are usually accompanied by other interesting objects such as accounts, animal bones and sewing tools. These findings had not received the attention they deserved so far. With more explorations, we could access a clearer vision of everyday life a thousand years ago.
Reflections of the past that invite us to the future
Grønnesby’s research, collected in his latest book, seeks to illuminate a period that has been relegated to the shadows. It reminds us that each hot stone can tell a story and that, when burying the “garbage” of yesteryear, we can discover treasures of knowledge about our history. The next time you enjoy a beer, think about the fascinating journey of its elaboration through the centuries.
