Fragments of an ancient manuscript found in an Irish bog are being hailed as one of the most significant discoveries in archaeology for decades. This report from James Helm in Dublin:

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It was spotted by a construction worker who was using a shovel to dig into a peat bog. Crucially, after it was uncovered, the landowner placed damp soil over it to protect the book, which was written on vellum.

Initial checks suggest that the book of psalms was written around 800 AD at a time of Viking attacks on Ireland. A fragment of Psalm 83 is legible but it will take much longer to analyse the whole manuscript.

Pat Wallace, the director of the National Museum of Ireland, called the first discovery of an early medieval document in two centuries "a miracle find."

James Helm, BBC, Dublin

Listen to the words

fragile
easy to destroy, delicate, not strong

survived
remained whole

overlooked
not noticed

spotted
noticed

a peat bog
a field of partly decomposed vegetable matter forming a brown soil-like deposit which can be used as fuel

vellum
a fine writing material made from animals' skins

Initial checks suggest
first tests, or examinations make you think

fragment
piece

legible
possible to read

miracle
extraordinary

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