Tollund Man
Tollund Man is an example of a bog body, or a body that has been remarkably preserved by a natural peat bog. A number of bog bodies have been excavated from European bogs, particularly in Denmark. These bodies take on a distinct appearance, with skin darkened by the peat, and a surprisingly lifelike face. In some cases, bits of fiber, clothing, and other materials have survived with the bodies, although often nearby, rather than on the body. While bog bodies often share the same state of preservation, Tollund Man has provided some distinct, and rather gory, information about his world.
When the Tollund Man was found in 1950, villagers did not call archaeologists, but rather the police. The condition of the body led them to believe that this was a relatively recent murder victim, not one from the distant past. Tollund Man, along with a number of other bog bodies, shows clear evidence of human sacrifice. The body was naked when it was interred in the bog, and no remains of his clothing have been found, but he did wear a leather cap and wide leather belt. The body has been dated to the Iron Age in Europe, or more than 2000 years ago.
The Tollund Man was found with a still-extant rope wrapped around his neck; he had been hanged. His face appears peaceful, but his body has been lost. In 1950, we lacked the technology to properly preserve bog bodies. Artists have constructed a replica on display with the head, rope still intact. Other bog bodies also show clear evidence of human sacrifice, although not always as peacefully as Tollund Man. One body, referred to as Grauballe Man, had his throat cut ear-to-ear. In addition, an unusually high number of bog bodies show evidence of various physical deformities, ranging from relatively minor to quite severe.