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Preserved by the acid, oxygen free conditions in peat bogs, bog bodies reveal a great deal about life in the Iron Age. But were they ritual sacrifices or murder victims?
The Preservative Power of Peat BogsPeat bogs are stagnant, waterlogged bodies of decaying plant matter. They are largely composed of peat or sphagnum moss. The moss takes minerals from the water around it and replaces them with acid. At the same time, the moss becomes saturated with the water, which inhibits the passage of air. The result is an oxygen free, highly acid environment. These conditions retard the bacteria and fungi that lead to decomposition of organic matter. Coupled with low temperatures and the tannins naturally present in peat and the perfect environment for preserving bodies is created. Tannins cure the skin to the consistency of leather, which explains why the skin of most bog bodies is so incredibly well maintained, often with details like finger prints still visible. However, tannin speeds up bone decay. So whilst the skin, hair, clothing and other organic matter is preserved , the bones of the body generally warped, giving bog bodies a sack like appearance. Who Were The Bog Bodies?Most bog bodies date back to the period between 400 BC-400AD. Consisting of some females but mostly males, generally they seem to have met violent deaths. Corpses bear evidence of violent, deliberate blows to the head, having had their throats cut or strangulation suggested by a leather noose about the neck. They then seem to have been placed in the bogs deliberately. Sheer numbers and the strange nature of the deaths have led to speculation that they were the subjects of ritual sacrifice, perhaps for the sake of their tribe or land in times of danger or hardship. Some may have been criminals and others possibly died voluntarily.Lindow Man, discovered in the UK in 1984 is a prime example taken to support this view, showing signs of a pampered lifestyle before suffering a ritualized ‘triple death’. The Last MealsAs with other mummies, analysis of bog bodies can produce evidence that helps archaeologists piece together general information on life over 2000 years ago. General diet can be established by taking samples of hair and skin and analysing the levels of elements present. However, the survival of the stomach contents is unique amongst bog bodies. The last meals eaten still remain. Grauballe Man, found in Denmark in the 1950’s had a last meal containing over 60 species of seeds, one or two cereals and a little meat. But do these meals represent everyday diet? Many of the bog bodies had purely vegetarian last meals. Close analysis suggests that these meals may not represent the norm. In many cases, the plant matter found seems to consist of waste products such as chaff or weed seeds that would normally be fed to the animals or eaten as a last resort in times of hardship. Some have speculated this represents the last meal of a condemned criminal. Yet there also seems to be a ritual element. Lindow man’s last meal consisted of a burnt cereal cake and had traces of mistletoe. SourcesScience World, Oct 4, 1999 by Maia Weinstock Encyclopædia Britannica from Encyclopædia Britannica 2007 Ultimate Reference Suite .
The copyright of the article Bog Bodies in Archaeological Burial Practices is owned by Natasha Sheldon. Permission to republish Bog Bodies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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