Medieval Mystery: Game Board Uncovers Lost Monastery
Archaeological Discovery
In the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, archaeologists have stumbled upon a medieval treasure that may hold the key to a centuries-old mystery. During their search for the lost Monastery of Deer, they unearthed a rare medieval game board that suggests the monastery’s true location.
The Enigmatic Game Board
The disc-shaped gaming board, believed to have been used by monks to play Hnefatafl, dates back to the 7th or 8th century. Carbon dating has confirmed its age, making it several hundred years older than the famous Book of Deer, a manuscript written by monks at the monastery.
Hnefatafl: A Norse Strategy Game
Hnefatafl was a popular strategy game among the Vikings and other Norse cultures. It involves a king and his defenders facing off against a larger number of attackers. The king’s goal is to reach safety in one of the four corners of the board, while the attackers aim to capture him.
Clues from the Charcoal
Alongside the game board, archaeologists discovered charcoal fragments that date to the same period. This provides further evidence that the excavation site was active during the medieval era. Previous excavations had also uncovered pottery and charcoal fragments from the 12th century, indicating that the site was inhabited for an extended period.
Linguistic Clues from the Book of Deer
The Book of Deer, written in the 10th century, contains the earliest known written evidence of Scottish Gaelic. Linguists have analyzed the Gaelic notations in the book and found that they differ from earlier manuscripts, suggesting that the Scottish and Irish Gaelic languages were beginning to separate at the time.
The Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of the game board and charcoal fragments offers tantalizing evidence that the excavation site was indeed the location of the lost Monastery of Deer. However, archaeologists caution that further evidence is needed to establish a definitive link between the board and the monastery.
Ongoing Excavations
The Book of Deer Project, a local initiative that has been searching for the lost monastery since 2008, is now raising funds for further excavations. They hope to uncover more clues that will help them pinpoint the monastery’s exact location and shed light on this enigmatic period in Scottish history.
A Legacy for the Future
Despite its petite size, the Book of Deer has left an enduring legacy. It provides valuable insights into the history and culture of medieval Scotland, and the recent discovery of the game board adds another intriguing chapter to its story. As archaeologists continue to delve into the mysteries of the past, the lost Monastery of Deer may soon reveal its secrets, offering us a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked within its walls centuries ago.
