Irish Tomb Reveals Truth About The Country's Past

To rediscovering their ancient pasts, some countries only need to study their monuments. But for nations like Ireland, that distant history is a bit more difficult to uncover. Still, there's one burial ground that has puzzled archaeologists for generations, and thanks to cutting-edge technology, experts have picked up on hidden details. But will some wish that this past remained a secret?

Valley of the Kings

Not unlike Egypt, Ireland has its own Valley of the Kings, a wind-swept and rocky expanse where great chieftains were laid to rest thousands of years ago. Its most famous tomb almost blends in with the countryside.

Newgrange

Of all these burial sites, some of which date back to 7,000 years ago, Newgrange is the crown jewel. This giant mound was rumored to be the home to some gods, and it appears to align with some astral bodies. Its deepest chambers contain human remains.

A Daring Professor

No modern scientist had been able to decode Newgrange's meaning, but Dr. Daniel Bradley of Trinity College believed he could succeed where so many others failed. The geneticist emerged as one of the foremost experts in ancient DNA and surveyed the mound with his colleague Lara Cassidy.

Centuries of Attention

Granted, it wasn't like the Trinity researchers were breaking new ground. County Meath residents had known about Newgrange for centuries — and sometimes "borrowed" stone from the structure for their own homes — while a proper archaeological excavation began in 1962. Was there anything left for Bradley and Cassidy?