Back in the 2000s, archaeologists from Sweden found dozens of craters in the ground near the town of Uppsala..

According to geochemical studies, with the help of pits, the ancient Scandinavians received tar around 2-5 centuries AD.

According to scientists, manufacturers filled them with pines, set fire to wood and covered them with peat or coal, which regulated the access of oxygen to fire.. As a result, tar and tar flowed into a wooden or clay container at the bottom of the craters.. One such procedure gave the Vikings up to 15 liters of tar..

Later, scientists were able to find earthen ovens of 200-300 liters.. They were used from the end of the 7th to the 10th century.. As archaeologists noted, craters were equipped away from settlements - at least 8 kilometers away..

Most likely, slaves were engaged in the extraction of tar for several summer months.. It could have been shepherds who took cattle to graze away from settlements. Or people who were specifically exempted from other work for this period.. At the same time, pits were set up near the forests - the source of wood..

Employees of Uppsala University note that tar and tar were the most important goods for export.. During the prosperity of their state, the Vikings established relations with the Byzantine Empire, the Baghdad Caliphate, the countries of Europe and entrenched in Russia. Tar is used in the processing of leather and wooden structures..

According to the findings, the Scandinavians used the substance to strengthen and protect their ships from corrosion. Perhaps this determined their domination of the sea.

As the scientists uncovered, about 500 liters of tar were required for one large boat..

sundaynews. info.

Keywords:.