8 (25) Swedish version
	Archaeological excavations at Armagh have brought into daylight a fortified settlement with its origin in the Bronze Age. Navan Fort, or rather Emain Macha, was the capital of ancient Celtic Ulster. As early as ca 140 AD the place was marked as Isamnion on maps made by the Egyptian geographer Ptolemy. According to the tales of The Ulster Cycle, Emain Macha was a prosperous residence for the king Conchobar mac Nessa and his valiant warriors of Craobh Ruadh, The Red Branch. Emain Macha means "the twins of Macha", and some tales connect the name with the pregnant woman Macha, who was forced to race against horses, and whose curse almost destroyed this ancient capital. Emain Macha was saved only by the deeds of the super hero Cú Chulainn. Emain Macha keeps unveiled secrets. Findings have shown that a huge temple was filled with lime and deliberately burnt. You find will this and other fascinating discoveries, inside the newly built museum.
	First published: Sunday 27th October, 1996. Send a to the author! You may also use this form