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.
ceremonial center"
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 perhaps only one or two other parallels that we know of.
"Particularly because they're Iron Age, it's incredibly rare to find monumental Iron Age structures."
The Iron Age covers the period from 800 BC to the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43. The finds from the dig will have to be taken away 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 found that some of the buildings that were excavated in the 1960s lie within a huge series of wooden palisade enclosures from the 4th to the 1st century BC in terms of time period.
"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."
'Really exciting'
The importance of the project is not lost even by those who participate in the excavation.
PHD candidate Louise Moffett has a shovel in hand and is working as an excavator on this year's dig.
"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."
“Right now I'm excavating a formation on the back side of this ditch.
"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 would later help develop three-dimensional models of the discoveries.
"This is only a rough drawing plan that is done a little below publication quality," he said.
"Just note all the numbers. It's just a quick plan that will be added to the 3D model later."
After the excavation is completed, the trenches will be backfilled.
Hopefully there will also be gaps in our knowledge of this truly remarkable location.
In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, a recent dig has thrown a brilliant spotlight on the long-obscured seat of Ulster's famous kings. These excavations have brought to light fascinating revelations and shed new light on the historical legacy and majesty of this ancient empire. Immerse yourself in a captivating narrative of royal residences and monarchical majesty as we uncover the mysteries beneath the earth.
Unraveling the Enigma: A Look into Ulster's Royal Past
When archaeologists delved into the land, they discovered more than just artifacts—they uncovered stories etched into the very foundations of an empire that once resonated with power and prestige. This recent excavation provides an exciting glimpse into the opulent dwellings where Northern Ireland's kings once held court and fosters a deeper connection to the history that shaped the region.
Treasure Tapestry: Artifacts speak of eras long past
From intricately crafted jewelry to ceremonial relics, each artifact unearthed tells a story of ancient wealth. These relics of a bygone era have not only survived the test of time, but continue to offer a glimpse into the cultural, artistic and technological prowess of the royal government. Their legacies are now carefully pieced together, allowing us to understand the multifaceted nature of Ulster's royal line.
Architectural grandeur and cultural significance
The excavation site reveals not only physical artifacts, but also architectural remains that offer a window into the structural wonders of the past. The meticulous design and layout of royal residences reflect not only the wealth of the kings, but also the deep-rooted cultural and social practices that defined the era. This newfound understanding enriches our understanding of the complex relationship between power, culture and society in ancient Ulster.
Preserving the past, lighting the future
The knowledge gained from this pioneering discovery is not only of historical significance, but also has the potential to inspire future generations. By uncovering the past, we pave the way to a more comprehensive understanding of our roots and the development of societies. This newfound knowledge will undoubtedly influence academic studies, enrich cultural appreciation and foster a renewed sense of pride in Ulster's glorious history.
A recent archaeological discovery is shedding light on the once-hidden homes of Northern Ireland's kings, rewriting the annals of history and reigniting fascination with this rich heritage. As we continue to uncover the treasures of the past, we are driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the intricate tapestry of stories that shaped our world. The legacy of Ulster's Kings is now more vividly before us, urging us to honor the past as we step into the future.
Discover the latest archaeological breakthrough that is rewriting the history books. Groundbreaking excavations have revealed breathtaking glimpses into the seat of Northern Ireland's kings, shedding light on a previously shrouded chapter of ancient Ireland. This revelation promises to fascinate history buffs and enthusiasts alike.
In this remarkable dig, a team of dedicated archaeologists have painstakingly uncovered artefacts, structures and evidence that paint a vivid picture of the life and times of Northern Ireland's legendary kings. Careful analysis of these finds has opened a window into the past, shedding new light on the rulers who once ruled this illustrious region.
The excavation site, located in a region shrouded in myth and legend, yielded a treasure trove of historical gems. Elaborate ceremonial objects, intricately designed ornaments and architectural remains have been carefully cataloged and studied, providing researchers with invaluable clues about the lifestyles, rituals and social dynamics of the ancient inhabitants.
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