3,000-year-old body found in leather bag
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a human body in a peat bog in Ireland, which they believe could be up to 3,000 years old. The remains were found partially buried in a leather bag just outside Portlaoise.
The body’s legs, which were not enclosed in the leather, have been preserved by the chemicals in the peat. Interestingly, however, it appears that the torso and head, which were in the bag, did not survive – although the leather did.
Staff from the National Museum as well as Bord na Móna workers will transport the remains to the National Museum, where radio carbon dating will be carried out to determine the age and gender of the person.
Ned Kelly, the head of antiquities at the National Museum, said it is possible the person could have been the victim of human sacrifice.
