Study › Runes & Norse › The Kovel Spearhead
The Kovel spearhead was found near Kovel in Ukraine. From about the 3rd century CE, it bears one of the oldest runic inscriptions, far from Scandinavia.
What is the Kovel spearhead?
The Kovel Spearhead was discovered near Kovel in modern-day Ukraine and dates from around the 3rd century CE. The iron spearhead bears one of the oldest known runic inscriptions and is significant because it was found far east of Scandinavia, showing the wide movement of Germanic peoples and their cultural influence. The inscription uses early runic characters from the Elder Futhark tradition and remains an important artefact for studying the spread of runic writing across Europe.
Read the Elder Futhark and the Vimose Comb.
Questions
How old is the Kovel spearhead?
About the 3rd century CE.
Why is it important?
It shows runes in use far east of Scandinavia.