Posted on 08/23/2013 6:12:21 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
The bog body found by Jason Phelan at the Bord Na Mona Cashel Bog, in Co Laois. The body is estimated to be over 4,000 years old, and is possibly the result of a human sacrifice. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times.
Helen Thomas?
Not quite right about oldest to date— but the Windover Bog find in Titusville, FL in 1984 was dated 7,990 years to 8,120 years, plus or minus 70 years.
What’s even more amazing, preserved brain tissue was found in some 91 skulls, the first from a woman of 45 years old at death. DNA sequencing was done.
State of FL allocated almost $1 Mil for excavation. Still being studied today, archived at FSU Archeaology. The oldest skeletons aged to 60 plus years refuting early death conjectures of ancient man. Truly an amazing find by a backhoe operator clearing a muck pond, who noticed “rocks” that turned out to be skulls!
http://www.nbbd.com/godo/history/windover/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windover_Archaeological_Site
“Helen Thomas?”
I thought the same thing, lol!
Genetic investigation would be very interesting as this body may be pre-celtic. Who were these people?
I think the latest genetic analysis indicates that the Irish are related to the Basques.
Hahaha. Great minds,right?
It would be great if we could start getting some DNA from these finds — maybe the bone marrow — especially the Irish finds. I’d be interested in the results from comparing it to modern lines.
I'm sure some are. To say "The Irish" however is a broad statement. Even in Ireland there are distinct genetic populations, some far older than others compared to the Central European mixed lines. And yes, the Basques are similarly unique.
Picts?
More on the FL Windover Bog discovery:
The Windover Bog Peopole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teh90FTIKec
and regarding the DNA, which all samples contained European like DNA...speculating they came across the much reduced in width Atlantic ocean (Ice Age reduced seas):
DNA of the Windover Bog People: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbayBEbIEwc
We were having a Guiness together just Wednesday last when he said he was stepping to the bog for a moment.
Probably a Bridgeport Milling machine. 
That's Dennis Sanford's theory:
Amazing. County Laois was formerly known as County Queens - and I have great great great grandparents on my paternal side that are from that county ...
A backhoe operator noticed several skulls in the bucket of his machine.
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Not a good day at work, I am thinking.
Thanks for posting those links. Fascinating stuff.
Genetic investigation would be very interesting as this body may be pre-celtic. Who were these people?
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Interesting question.
When we visited Ireland in 1996 we got to see a man hand-digging peat. This was not a tourist demonstration. Very cool.
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