Trenching work being carried out by the Manx Electricity Authority in the north of the Island opened a window on the Island's distant past.
The excavations for the new gas pipeline between Ramsey and Ballaugh has enabled experts to see and photograph a long section dug through peat and silt deposits which once formed a vast wetland area.
Dr Phillipa Tomlinson from Liverpool University and the Centre for Manx Studies, now working part-time with the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture, expected to see bog oaks in the trench but was thrilled at what was revealed.
Manxman won't return to service until end of September
Steam Packet urged to be more 'transparent' over Manxman issues
Government needs to 'break the cycle' of child poverty on Island
Proportion on waiting lists likely higher than England