Dig sheds new light on home of the Kings of Ulster

 Dig sheds new light on the home of Ulster's kings

On a hill outside Armagh is Emain Macha - or Navan Fort. For centuries this place was home to the kings and queens of Ulster. In recent years, archaeologists have been trying to piece together what the complex would have looked like and how far back in history the site was used. They believe they have now found physical evidence that the site may have been in use as far back as the 4th century BC. Progress took a big step forward in 2020, when magnetic gradiometry and electrical resistivity surveys were conducted at the site.This month, researchers from Queen's University Belfast returned to Navan Fort to take part in excavations which they believe have uncovered evidence to support this.

This year, four fresh trenches were opened on the hill. "What we're finding here is that some of the early stages are very strange indeed," said archaeologist Dr Patrick Gleeson. "They are unique probably in terms of the complexity of some of these monuments on this island - there are maybe only one or two other parallels that we know of." Especially since they date back to the Iron Age, it's incredibly rare to find monumental Iron Age structures." The finds from the dig will have to be collected and examined, but Dr Gleeson told BBC News NI he believed they were significant.

"At this point it looks like what we have is a completely new monumental horizon of an Early to Middle Iron Age complex," he said. "When you come to the site today, everything you see is from around 95 BC or later." We discovered that some of the buildings that were excavated in the 1960s lie within a huge series of wooden palisade enclosures dating back to the 4th 1st century BC in terms of time scale.

"They consist of large buildings on the crest of the hill, set in a large figure-eight enclosure about 160m in diameter, stretching across the crest of the hill with huge wooden posts defining the edges of the site."

One of the trenches is known as Site A.

"It's a mysterious structure," said Dr. Gleeson. “It appears to be a ring mound, but it does not appear to be a funerary monument, as we would expect a ring mound to be. "So we're investigating the bank and ditch of the monument. So it could have been used for manufacturing, post-media activity or perhaps early medieval residential structures." Dr Gleeson said the discovery would add to "our understanding of the site".

"But it also confirms some of the suspicions that have been developing in recent decades that, rather than being a residential center for the kings of Northern Ireland, it actually appears to be a ceremonial center of paramount ritual and religious importance, where people engaged in significant ceremonies and activities, " he added. "Then at some point it turns into a more residential and symbolic center of the Middle Ages. This allows us to situate it not only in an Irish context, but also in a northwestern European context."

The importance of the project is not lost on those who participate in the excavation. PHD candidate Louise Moffett has a shovel in her hand and is working as an excavator on this year's excavation. "It's really exciting," she said. "Most of the sites I've done in the past no one has heard of, but now everyone knows the sites I've been digging."

"We found some edges, so it's basically finding those edges to figure out the perimeter of the element, then following them down until you find the base," she added. "But you only dig it halfway, so we have a flat surface called a section. So we can see if there are different layers in the object—if it was built up over time, or if it was just one deposit in the object." ." Dr. Cormac McSparron sits on the side of the ditch, sketchbook in hand. His drawings will later help develop three-dimensional models of the discoveries.

"This is just a rough drawing plan done a little below publication quality," he said. "Just to note all the numbers. It's just a quick plan that will be added to the 3D model later." After the excavation is complete, the trenches will be backfilled. Hopefully there will also be gaps in our knowledge of this truly remarkable location.

Extraordinary archaeological excavations have shed new light on the opulent seat of the legendary kings of Ulster. This ground-breaking discovery not only offers a glimpse into the lives of these historical figures, but also provides an invaluable insight into the culture and society of antiquity. In this article, we delve into the fascinating revelations from this excavation and explore the significance of the finds in unraveling the mysteries of the past.

Revealing the past:

Recent archaeological digs carried out in the heart of Ulster have revealed an intricate web of structures and artefacts, leading experts to believe they have discovered the very seat of Ulster's famous kings. With each layer of soil carefully peeled away, the past comes alive as remnants of the grandeur that once was are carefully revealed.

Architectural Wonders and Artifacts:

The architecture of the newly discovered buildings shows unparalleled craftsmanship for its time. Intricately designed halls, towering walls and ornate chambers were carefully brought to light. The archaeological team also came across a treasure trove of artefacts, including intricate jewellery, ceremonial weapons and intricately designed pottery. These finds not only signify the opulence of the kings' lifestyles, but also offer a window into the culture and artistic prowess of the era.

Insights into royal life:

Artifacts recovered from the site offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Northern Ireland's kings and their court. Elaborate jewelry suggests a penchant for adornment and the importance of social hierarchy. The discovery of ceremonial weapons indicates their warlike activities and the strategic importance of their rule. Detailed pottery sheds light on culinary and dining practices and reveals a rich culinary heritage.

Cultural Significance:

This archaeological dig is not just a journey into the past; it is a testament to the importance of preserving history for future generations. By uncovering the seat of the kings of Northern Ireland, we gain a deeper understanding of the political, social and cultural dynamics that shaped ancient Ireland. It allows us to piece together the puzzle of history and appreciate the legacy left behind by those who ruled this region centuries ago.

Preserving a legacy for tomorrow:

Careful excavation and conservation efforts at the site ensure that the legacy of the Kings of Northern Ireland will continue to capture the imagination of generations to come. By carefully cataloging and studying artifacts, researchers are able to create a more accurate narrative of the past, a narrative that would otherwise be lost in the sands of time.

Archaeological excavations that have revealed the residence of the kings of Northern Ireland are testament to the enduring appeal of history. When we peer through the window of the past, we are reminded of the rich tapestry of human experience that has shaped our world. This discovery not only sheds new light on the lives of ancient kings, but also underlines the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for the enlightenment of future generations.