Prehistoric Butter Barrel Found in Gilltown Bog, Kildare

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In summary, a 3,000-year-old oak barrel filled with butter was discovered in Gilltown bog, and is being hailed as a national treasure by archaeology experts. The butter has been well-preserved due to its high fat content and occasional addition of salt, making it still potentially edible despite being rancid. The discovery has also sparked interest in the process of adipocere formation, known as "corpse wax."
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wolram
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3,000-year-old butter found in Kildare bog
Subject: Recent Discoveries

An oak barrel, full of butter, estimated to be roughly 3,000 years old has been found in Gilltown bog, between Timahoe and Staplestown.The amazing discovery of the barrel, which is being described by archaeology experts in the National Museum as a "really fine example" was found by two Bord na Mona workers.
Note: "It's a national treasure, you can't be going hacking bits of it off for your toast!"
Prehistoric find attracted crows when dug out of bog.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2146413722

Would this be the oldest ever man made food found.
 
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  • #2
how does butter last 3000 years? surely it would have melted or been eventually eaten by bacteria/fungus/someone with toast :tongue:
 
  • #3
Molds, fungi and bacteria do not do well on butter because it's nearly pure fat with little moisture. The occasional addition of salt makes it even less palatable to microorganisms. It is likely to be still entirely edible, if rather rancid.
 
  • #4
Parkay!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpyEGYBqmK8
 
  • #5
Now that's a great find, I'd really enjoy examining it more closely.
 
  • #7

1. What is a prehistoric butter barrel?

A prehistoric butter barrel is a type of storage vessel that was used to hold and preserve butter during prehistoric times. It is typically made from clay or wood and has a cylindrical shape with a lid to keep the contents inside.

2. Where is the Gilltown Bog, Kildare?

Gilltown Bog is located in County Kildare, Ireland. It is a large wetland area that has been preserved for its unique flora and fauna, as well as its historical significance.

3. How old is the butter barrel?

The exact age of the butter barrel found in Gilltown Bog is still being determined by scientists. However, based on its location and the materials used, it is estimated to be from the Late Bronze Age, around 1000-500 BCE.

4. Why is the discovery of this butter barrel significant?

The discovery of this butter barrel is significant because it provides valuable insights into the diet and food preservation techniques of prehistoric societies in Ireland. It also sheds light on the cultural and technological advancements of that time period.

5. What other artifacts were found with the butter barrel?

Along with the butter barrel, archaeologists also found other items such as pottery fragments, animal bones, and flint tools. These artifacts can provide further information about the people who used the butter barrel and their way of life.

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