The Tollund Man, a naturally mummified corpse from the 4th century BC, has long been a subject of fascination and intrigue for historians, archaeologists, and the general public alike.
Discovered in a peat bog near Tollund, Denmark in 1950, this remarkably well-preserved body offers a unique window into the past, providing invaluable insights into the life and times of the Iron Age in Northern Europe.
The importance of the Tollund Man in archaeology and history cannot be overstated. His near-perfect preservation, down to the stubble on his chin and the wrinkles on his face, has made him one of the most famous bog bodies in the world.
The level of detail preserved in his body has allowed scientists to conduct a range of studies, from forensic investigations to dietary analysis, each contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Iron Age society.
The dramatic moment he was discovered
On a spring day in May 1950, two brothers, Viggo and Emil Højgaard, along with Viggo’s wife, Grethe, were cutting peat for their stove in the Bjaeldskov bog, near the village of Tollund, Denmark.
As they worked, they made a startling discovery – the face of a man, perfectly preserved, peering up at them from the peat.
Initially, they believed they had stumbled upon a recent murder victim, given the lifelike appearance of the body.
The local police were called to the scene, who in turn alerted the Silkeborg Museum.
The man in the bog was not a recent murder victim, but an ancient one. The body was dubbed the “Tollund Man” after the nearby village.
His peaceful expression, with closed eyes and a slight smile, led to initial speculation that he had died of natural causes.
However, a noose found around his neck suggested a more sinister end.
The rush to determine his cause of death
Upon his discovery, the Tollund Man was immediately noted for his extraordinary state of preservation.
His body, though shriveled and darkened by the peat, retained a lifelike appearance that was both eerie and fascinating.
His face, in particular, was remarkably well-preserved, with details such as the stubble on his chin and the wrinkles around his eyes still visible.
His peaceful expression gave him an almost serene appearance, a stark contrast to the violent circumstances of his death.
The Tollund Man was found naked, save for a cap made of sheepskin and wool, and a belt around his waist.
The cap, made of several pieces of sheepskin sewn together with a leather thong, was lined with a fringe of sheep’s wool.
The belt, made of a strip of ox hide, was fastened with a leather thong through a hole at one end.
These items of clothing provided valuable insights into the clothing practices of the Iron Age people.
The physical examination of the Tollund Man also revealed a noose made of plaited animal hide around his neck, suggesting that he had been hanged.
The noose left a furrow in the skin beneath his chin and at the sides of his neck, indicating that he had been suspended from a point above his head.
This discovery led to the conclusion that the Tollund Man was likely a victim of a ritual sacrifice or execution.
The body of the Tollund Man was so well preserved that it was possible to examine his last meals.
His stomach and intestines contained the remains of a porridge made from barley and seeds, suggesting a diet rich in cereals.
This provided valuable information about the agricultural practices and dietary habits of the Iron Age people.
What scientific analysis has been done on the body?
The scientific analysis of the Tollund Man has been extensive, utilizing a range of techniques from radiocarbon dating to forensic investigations.
These analyses have provided a wealth of information about the Tollund Man’s life, death, and the society in which he lived.
Radiocarbon dating, a method that determines the age of an object containing organic material, was used to estimate the age of the Tollund Man.
The results indicated that he lived during the late 4th century BC, during the early Iron Age.
This was a time of significant cultural and societal changes in Northern Europe, and the Tollund Man provides a unique insight into this period.
Forensic investigations were conducted to determine the cause of death. The presence of the noose around his neck, along with the furrow it left in the skin, suggested that he had been hanged.
However, there were no signs of other injuries or struggle, leading to the conclusion that his death was likely a ritual sacrifice or execution rather than a murder.
This theory is supported by the fact that many other bog bodies from the same period show signs of violent death, often with no signs of defensive wounds, suggesting that they were willing participants in the rituals that led to their deaths.
Dietary analysis was conducted by examining the contents of the Tollund Man’s stomach and intestines.
The remains of his last meals, a porridge made from barley and seeds, suggested a diet rich in cereals.
This provided valuable information about the agricultural practices of the time, indicating a society that was capable of growing and processing grains.
The Tollund Man’s teeth and bones were also examined to provide information about his health and lifestyle.
His teeth were worn down, suggesting a diet of coarse, gritty food. However, there were no signs of malnutrition or disease, indicating that he was generally healthy at the time of his death.
What kind of world did Tollund Man live in?
The Tollund Man lived during the early Iron Age, a period that spanned from around 500 BC to 400 AD in Northern Europe.
This was a time of significant societal and cultural changes, with the development of new technologies, the growth of trade networks, and changes in religious practices and societal structures.
The Iron Age societies in Denmark and across Northern Europe were largely agrarian, with communities living in small villages and farming the surrounding land.
The discovery of grains in the Tollund Man’s stomach supports this, suggesting a diet based on agriculture.
The presence of seeds from weeds associated with cultivation further indicates that farming was a significant part of life during this period.
Religion played a central role in Iron Age societies, with rituals and sacrifices being common practices.
The violent death of the Tollund Man, along with the absence of defensive wounds, suggests that he was likely a victim of a ritual sacrifice or execution.
This theory is supported by the discovery of other bog bodies from the same period that show similar signs of violent death.
These sacrifices may have been made to appease the gods or as part of fertility rituals.
The Tollund Man’s clothing, or lack thereof, also provides insights into the cultural practices of the time.
His clothing, or lack thereof, suggests that nudity may have been a part of the ritual that led to his death.
Alternatively, his clothes may have been removed after his death as part of the burial process.