Irish police archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old bog body

The Archeology Unit of the Northern Ireland Police discovered a 2-2,500-year-old bog body in Northern Ireland.

Human remains have been reported to the police on the surface of the coalfields in Bellaghy, Northern Ireland, and the police are sending the archeology unit to investigate.

Detective Niki Dihan said:

At first glance, we weren't sure if we were dealing with ancient remains or fresh death. For this reason, we excavated the body in full consideration of forensic medicine rules and in a professional manner. The procedure was designed to ensure that any DNA evidence would remain intact for possible criminal investigations.

The research after the discovery of the bog body shows that the survivor is a man aged between 13 and 17 years old. Although the cause of death is still unknown, the remains of this individual are remarkably well-preserved, with some skin, fingernails on the left hand, toenails, and possibly some internal jewelry still remaining.

Radiocarbon dating at Queen's University Belfast's Chrono 14 Center has dated these human remains to around 500 BC and the early Iron Age.

Dr Alastair Raffel from Queen's University Belfast said:

These remains were discovered approximately one meter below the current ground surface, which is consistent with radiocarbon estimates. Additionally, they were among a collection of fossilized tree remains that suggested the body may have been buried or washed into the trees.

Forest Service Executive Director John Joe O'Boyle said:

The Forest Service understands the importance of this very exciting find. This ancient bog body was discovered on land owned by the Department and we = will be working with the National Museum of Northern Ireland to move the find there for further examination and preservation.