Innovation Union
Innovation Union
Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn visits Joint Research Centre in Geel as nuclear physics unveils secrets of Bronze Age sword
"The analysis of an ancient sword using 21st century technology is an example of how European research work also enhances cultural and historical knowledge."
Physicists at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) have helped unveil the secrets of a Bronze Age sword with neutron beams normally used to study materials for nuclear reactors.
The sword originates from the North Alps-Danuba region and was found near the village of Buggenum (Netherlands). It dates from 1300 – 1100 BC. Scientists at the JRC's Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) in Geel studied it using pulsed neutron beams as part of an EU-funded project called Ancient Charm.
Visiting the IRMM today, Research, Innovation and Science Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said:
"This is a reminder of the enormous breadth of innovative research carried out by the JRC for the European Commission. The analysis of an ancient sword using 21st century technology is an example of how European research work also enhances cultural and historical knowledge. I want to use my mandate to tell more people about this kind of fascinating research work and to show them that there is much more to Europe than Directives and Regulations."
Further details are available in the accompanying JRC press release, available outside the Commission press room and at http://www.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pressroom