Archaeologists have finally determined the death date of the ancient European 'Princess of Bagicz' buried in a log coffin over 100 years ago. The woman died between A.D. 65 and 120, according to dendrochronological analysis of her wooden sarcophagus, published Feb. 9 in the journal _Archaeometry_. The coffin was discovered in 1899 after falling from an eroding cliff in northwestern Poland.

The discrepancy in dating was caused by the marine reservoir effect, which can throw off radiocarbon dates by up to 1,200 years when individuals consume significant seafood. Initial carbon dating of the woman's tooth suggested she died between 113 B.C. and A.D. 65, but analysis of the coffin itself revealed it was crafted around A.D. 120 from a single oak tree trunk. This makes the Bagicz burial exceptional as the only preserved wooden sarcophagus from the Roman Iron Age.

Researchers led by Marta Chmiel-Chrzanowska from the University of Szczecin determined the woman was likely 25 to 35 years old when she died, with osteoarthritis suggesting she was a typical representative of the Wielbark culture rather than royalty. The team plans to conduct DNA testing next week to learn more about her origins, attempting to extract material from her temporal bone without damaging the skull.