Bodies have been found in bogs all over Scotland and North West Europe, about 150 in total including the famous Tollund Man of Denmark. Recent discoveries in Ireland include:

• Old Croghan Man 362-175 BC
• Clonycavan Man 392-201 BC

Preservation of the bodies is generally good, aided by peaty conditions which produces a chemical reaction in turn halting decomposition. The sooner the bodies are deposited in the bog after death the better the state of preservation. This is due to halting of the normal decomposition process.

It has been noted that the bodies have often been subject of violent deaths. They tend to be found on the borders of tribal boundaries and/or Royal estates. According to one theory, the burials represent an offering to the gods of fertility by kings in support of successful reign. The bodies are placed on the borders of estates to ensure success of the Kingship-by appeasing the gods of fertility.

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Labels: bog bodies

posted by Nigel Cole @ 6:27 AM