We began with a fragment of bone, and we should end there.

The fragment that contained Denny’s DNA was roughly 2.5 centimeters long.

It was identified as likely from a limb bone — an arm or a leg — based on its cortical structure.

It was worn and broken, with the characteristic texture of ancient bone that has been in the ground for a very long time.

In most circumstances, it would have been unremarkable.

It was not associated with any distinctive archaeological context — no tools nearby, no evidence of elaborate treatment of the body.