Runes probably started as signs carved on wood, which would explain their angular straight-line form.
From the 2nd century AD, if not earlier, Germanic groups were using runes to record simple, brief messages. These included names or expressions of magical power on swords, religious dedications or curses against enemies.
The early Runic alphabet had twenty-four signs, probably taken from a variety of sources, such as the Latin alphabet and the scripts of northern Italy. Later inscriptions included some that were longer and more detailed.
One example of the 5th century was a gold ring found at Pietroassa which said 'Property of the Goths, dedicated and inviolable'.
Runes continued in use into Viking and medieval times in the north, appearing, for instance, on tombstones.
