Archaeologists hope a discovery off South Great George's Street will shed light on early Viking Dublin.
Viking remains have been found during archaeological excavations taking place in Dublin at a Dunnes Stores owned site where South Great George's Street borders Stephen Street.
Early indications show the skeletal remains are that of a warrior, believed to date from the 9th century. Archaeologists have named the warrior Eric the Viking. Although he is missing his legs and part of his skull, such a find is exceptionally rare. Head of Collections at the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) Raghnall Ó Floinn is excited by the discovery.
There's so much we can learn from just the damaged remains here.
X-rays of the remains show a large dagger underneath Eric the Viking’s pelvis. Soil around him will be excavated and his bones examined.
At this stage archaeological conservator Cathy Daly thinks Eric the Viking must have been part of a raiding party. He would have been a strong warrior and was buried with all his weapons.
It does look like he may have died in a battle.
It is likely Eric the Viking was involved in the total destruction of the Dubh Linn Monastery.
Archaeologist Linzi Simpson hopes his discovery will encourage archaeologists to concentrate on the previously neglected area of Viking Dublin lying south of Dubh Linn. Traditionally the attention focuses on the areas around Christchurch and Wood Quay and Temple Bar.
He was a very small, little person in a very big site, but he will give us so much information.
The archaeological dig is expected to last a further six months and archaeologists hope further finds will shed light on the earliest period of Viking Dublin.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 August 2003. The reporter is Orla O Donnell.
