DISCOVERY AND BACKGROUNDWhile peat cutters in Balivor, Ireland were working away in March 2003, they didn’t expect to cut into the remains of a bog body, later known as Clonycavan Man. As they were cutting peat blocks, the remains were sliced in half by their machines, with much damage being sustained. They called the authorities as they thought the man was subject to a recent murder, but what they failed to realise was that they were dealing with an almost ancient murder.

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

Radio Carbon Dating aged Clonycavan Man between 392 BCE and 201 BCE. Scanning Electron Microscopy was also used similarly to the other exhibits. Upon further analysis under the microscope, it was found that Clonycavan Man’s hair had been held up by a gel-like substance. Additionally, an analysis of the chemicals inside Clonycavan Man indicated that he had a diet that consisted mainly of a vegan base. Finally, Clonycavan Man underwent a forensic analysis which determined his cause of death. It was proven that the most evident cause of injury was due to a fatal blow to the top of his head in conjunction with a disembowelment.

CAUSE OF DEATH

During the forensic analysis of Clonycavan Man’s remain, it became clear to experts how the man met his fate.  A distinct  crack on his skull came about after 2 or 3 strikes with a narrow-like object such as an ax, which killed the man as his brains were revealed through the opening. Additionally, he had been horrifically disemboweled, with his organs being removed. Was there a motive to this murder?

FAMOUS SOURCES

According to Ned Kelly, who is the ‘curator’ of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland, there was a motive to this murder. He believes that Clonycavan Man may have been the victim of a sacrificial killing, which was hypothesised due to the brutal yet systematic nature of his death in conjunction with the location of his body being on the border between Meath and Westmeath. He appeared on BBC News on 7th January 2006, with a report titled: ‘Iron Age Bog Bodies Unveiled’. Kelly stated: ‘I believe that this burial is an offering to the gods of fertility by the kings of the time to ensure that they have a prosperous reign.’ ‘(Sacrificial) bodies are buried on the borders of royal land to confirm a good yield of milk and corn during their reign.’