The PSNI says this is a “unique archaeological find for Northern Ireland”
Ancient human bones dating back more than 2,000 years have been recovered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The discovery was made after archaeologists were alerted to human remains in Bellaghy peat bog in County Londonderry in October 2023.
It is believed the remains may be that of a teenage boy.
The PSNI said it was a “unique archaeological find for Northern Ireland”.
The remains were carbon dated and described as being “2,000 to 2,500 years old.”
Prosecutor Nikki Deehan said the excavation “initially uncovered the tibia, fibula, humerus, ulna and radius associated with the left lower leg and right arm respectively.”
“Further investigation revealed more bones belonging to the same person,” she added.
Human remains were discovered in Belagi peat bog in October 2023
“About 5 meters south of the surface ruins, the bones of the lower left arm and left femur were found protruding from the ground.
“Further examination of the area between the body and the surface revealed additional finger bones, nails, part of the left femur, and sternum.
“A post-mortem was performed by a certified forensic anthropologist and the individual was determined to be a male, possibly between 13 and 17 years of age at the time of death.”
A senior officer said this was an “unusual discovery on a global scale” as both the bones and skin of the body were intact.
“Well preserved”
Police initially thought the remains may be more recent because the bones were in such good condition.
Superintendent Deehan said: “So far little is known about the cause of this person’s death,” but added: “Unlike other ‘swamps’, this person’s skeleton is well preserved, including parts of his skin and his left hand.” Claws were also present.” , his toenails, and possibly his kidneys.”
The head is missing from the body, and it is unclear whether it was removed after death.
Carbon dating revealed that the remains were more than 2,000 years old.
“Due to the well-preserved condition of the remains, radiocarbon dating may be used to determine the time of death,” Deehan added.
“Radiocarbon dating determined the time of death to be between 2,000 and 2,500 years ago.
“This is the first time radiocarbon dating has been used on a bog in Northern Ireland, and the only one in existence, making this a truly unique archaeological find for Northern Ireland.
Radiocarbon dating was carried out at the 14Chrono Centre, part of Queen’s University Belfast.
Due to the well-preserved remains, radiocarbon dating may be used to confirm the time of death.
Dr Alastair Ruffel, from the university, said a high-resolution ground-penetrating radar survey was carried out at the site in two stages.
“The remains were found approximately one meter below the current surface, which is consistent with radiocarbon estimates,” it added.
“Furthermore, they were found within a mass of fossilized tree remains, suggesting that the remains may have died, been buried in a copse or stand, or washed ashore.”
Dr Alastair Ruffel says this discovery is really interesting and important to study
“This is important not only because it’s Iron Age, but also because of the landscape context,” Dr Raffel said.
“We’re in a series of wetlands north of Lough Neagh. Given how glaciers moved here and how humans arrived afterwards, it’s very hard to imagine where they would occur. It’s interesting.”
Dr Ruffel said the discovery site may also have been of great interest to one of the greatest poets and playwrights in the history of the island of Ireland, who lived not far from the discovery site.
“We are in Heaney country, after all,” he said.
Dr Ruffel said Seamus Heaney and his wife had a real interest in wetlands, had written extensively on the subject and at one time had a job mowing lawns.
“He would have been just surprised if, a few miles from home, real ruins that he was so fascinated by came out of the ground,” he says.
A kidney was also found among the remains recovered.
NI Forestry Chief Executive John Joe O’Boyle said the ancient bog remains were discovered on land owned by the Department of Agriculture and are now working with the National Museum to transport them to a museum where further research can continue. He said he is doing so. Investigation and preservation of remains.
“Over time, we hope this discovery will help us all better understand our very early history,” he added.
“It certainly adds an important chapter to the historical and cultural importance of this hinterland and to the archaeological discoveries of bog sites across Europe.”
The excavation was one of a number carried out by a dedicated body recovery team within the PSNI.
The team has previously supported the recovery and investigation of bodies of missing persons, including the recovery of bodies of missing persons almost 30 years after they went missing. ing.