Austrian Iron Bars Linked to Danube Shipwreck

Archaeologists have identified Europe's largest known collection of Iron Age iron bars in Austria, potentially linked to a shipwreck on the Danube River over 2,000 years ago. The discovery was made during gravel extraction work in Deinham, Austria, in 2019.

At least 500 iron bars were recovered, making the collection the largest known Iron Age find of its kind in Europe. Researchers estimate the bars could have been used to forge around 500 swords, each weighing between 3.3 and 4.4 pounds.

The iron bars were dated to the third or second century B.C. using radiocarbon dating. Researchers believe the bars were forged in Bavaria, Germany, before being transported along the Danube River. Their intended destination remains unknown.

Peter Trebsche, an archaeologist at the University of Innsbruck, noted that the bars were found in an old, silt-filled channel of the Danube. He suggested a shipwreck is the most plausible explanation for their presence in the river, though no vessel remains were discovered.

Trebsche added that the lack of signs of intentional destruction on the bars suggests they were not part of a ritual offering. He also mentioned that the 500-sword estimate is an approximation, as the iron could have been used for tools or jewelry instead of weapons.

The discovery highlights the scale of ancient iron production and trade, which has been difficult to measure due to the perishable nature of iron objects. Trebsche called the find a 'minor miracle' and praised the gravel workers for reporting the discovery to the Monuments Authority instead of selling it.