Bog bodies, preserved by anoxic conditions and humic acid in bog water, offer insight into Iron Age Europe. Most were violently killed, possibly as human sacrifices. The oldest dates back to 8000 BC and the most recent to the 16th century. Recovery is difficult and preservation is essential. Jutland, Denmark is a prime location due to its salty moisture.
Bog bodies are bodies, sometimes thousands of years old, that have been preserved from decay by the anoxic conditions of a bog and the humic acid in bog water. These bodies are the most well-preserved window into the people who lived in Iron Age Europe. The facial structures, skin, and internal organs of bog bodies are highly preserved, allowing for extensive study, including what these people ate just before they died. Most of these bodies come from people who were killed violently, either as punishment for crimes or as human sacrifice. The prevalence of human sacrifice in Iron Age Europe for successful crops and other reasons is well established.
The oldest bog body, the Koelbjerg woman from Denmark, dates to about 8000 BC. This is so old that it predates the Bronze Age in Europe, instead being a rare artifact from the Stone Age in Europe. The most recent bodies date from the 16th century, including an Irish woman who was apparently buried in unconsecrated ground (the marsh) after a suicide. In some cases, people have evidently been violently killed and have multiple stab wounds. In one case, that of Tollund Man, one of the best preserved bog bodies, was found buried with the rope around his neck which was used to kill him.
Bog bodies are typically recovered when people harvest peat from bogs for fuel. Shortly after the body is revealed, it begins to decay, so quick preservation after that point is essential. Some bodies have seriously deteriorated since their discovery due to improper storage. Swampbodies generally have brown or black hair and skin, caused by chemicals in the swamp that dye them. Archaeologists are lucky enough to find one of these bodies, as the precise conditions conducive to their formation are rare and generally only occur in marshes near salt water. For this reason, one of the best places in the world to find bog bodies is in Jutland, Denmark, which is often swept by winds that bring salty moisture.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
