The mystery of the ancient monk's grave containing the remains of dolphins in England

Scientists were surprised when they discovered the remains of a dolphin in a grave buried deep underground.

The tomb was discovered in September 2017 on Chapelle Dom Hue - an island off the coast of Guernse (UK). The island was once home to medieval monks.

Researchers found a series of medieval pottery, prehistoric flint at Chapelle Dom Hue but were shocked to discover the mysterious tomb.

"It contained the remains of a dolphin. The animal appeared to have been slaughtered before being placed in a rectangular hole assembled from gneiss stones on the island," said Philip de Jersey, researcher from at the University of Oxford said.

Skeleton of a dolphin.

De Jersey and his associates initially assumed that the tomb was the burial place of a medieval monk.

The tomb, buried in a northeast/southwest direction, was found near the ruins of a structure that archaeologists believe may have been a chapel.

According to Mr. de Jersey, the pottery found at the site could be dated to the 14th century.

"The dolphin was a medieval favorite and there are numerous references to it being killed and eaten around the 13th and 14th centuries. The question, however, is why dig a grave for it. an animal after eating it," he said.

The researcher wondered why the dolphin's carcass should not be thrown directly into the sea, which is only a few feet away.

'Most likely this pit was a failed experiment in preserving meat, packed with salt. Further analysis of the soil sample could shed some light on this," de Jersey said.

The pH of the soil seeped into the dolphin's remains, making it impossible for researchers to date it.

'We will try to analyze a part of the skull that is a little better preserved,' Mr de Jersey said.