On a steep slope in western Sweden, researchers have discovered about 40 petroglyphs depicting ships, people and animal figures, which are 2,700 years old.

These petroglyphs were carved into a granite rock that was once part of the island, meaning that people at the time had to be on a boat or platform built on ice to carve their art, explains Martin Ostholm, one of the archaeologists. responsible for the find. opening.

The research team was looking for new petroglyphs in Bohuslän, an area already famous for its petroglyphs, when they came across a moss-covered rocky surface. Scientists have noticed some lines barely noticeable, but clearly man-madeso they removed the moss, exposing new petroglyphs.

The largest engraving depicts one four-meter shipnotes Ostholm, adding that many images are between 30 and 40 centimeters long.

As the scientists explain, people may have used hard stones to strike the granite surface, exposing the white layer underneath and making the artwork visible both from the mainland and from passing ships.

According to Ostholm, it is not clear why the people of the time carved this art into the rocks, although it is possible that they did so to signify ownership. Moreover, their meaning is not clear either.

Source: live science