Ancient Psalm in Irish Bog
An ancient book of psalms has been unearthed in Ireland by a construction worker digging up bogland for topsoil.
Archaeologists date the approximately 20-page book back to the years 800-1000, noting the first discovery of an early medieval document in two centuries.
"There’s two sets of odds that make this discovery really way out," said director of Ireland’s National Museum Pat Wallace. "First of all, it’s unlikely that something this fragile could survive buried in a bog at all, and then for it to be unearthed and spotted before it was destroyed is incalculably more amazing."
The book of Latin text was found open to Psalm 83 which mentions enemies of Israel who say "Come, let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more."
Experts are examining the book and hope to find ways to open other pages without damaging them.
Archaeologists date the approximately 20-page book back to the years 800-1000, noting the first discovery of an early medieval document in two centuries.
"There’s two sets of odds that make this discovery really way out," said director of Ireland’s National Museum Pat Wallace. "First of all, it’s unlikely that something this fragile could survive buried in a bog at all, and then for it to be unearthed and spotted before it was destroyed is incalculably more amazing."
The book of Latin text was found open to Psalm 83 which mentions enemies of Israel who say "Come, let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more."
Experts are examining the book and hope to find ways to open other pages without damaging them.
posted by Christian Radio Blog | 8:24 pm
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