Where have these bodies been discovered?
Where are these bodies located? (Death of Body)
- CLONYCAVAN MAN- Clonycavan near Dublin, Ireland (c. 300 BC)
- LINDOW MAN- Lindow Moss, Chesire, England (2 BC-AD 119)
- TOLLUND MAN- Bjeldskovdal bog, Denmark (210 BC)
What is a bog?
A bog is a specific type of wetland or marshy area, home to many species such as mosquitoes and dragonflies, which holds a thick layer of moderately, decomposed plant material and soils, surrounded by highly acidic water provided by rain and snow. With an airless environment and acidic waters penetrating the top layer of the bog and thick layer of peat underneath, it doesn’t allow the area to process a lot of nutrients which then creates a layer of sphagnum moss, which is a substance that prevents destructing bacteria operating. Bogs are often found in Europe and Britain.
How do bogs preserve bodies?
In areas of marshy, boggy soil, several extremely well preserved bodies from Ancient civilizations have been discovered. Unearthed after thousands of years, the lost souls of the bog never seemed to go anywhere, not physically anyway. They were preserved from the special conditions of the bog water. Airless bog environment slows the decaying process, and with the help of the acidic bog water and sphagnum moss, it completely prevents the break down of lethal bacteria behaviours of organic matter.
Did you know? That the chemical content of bogs is why the bodies are usually brown and leathery! Some bodies are all bone due to the sphagnum breaking down muscles BUT, some extraordinary bogs are only left with completely soft tissue and no bones!
Did you know? That the chemical content of bogs is why the bodies are usually brown and leathery! Some bodies are all bone due to the sphagnum breaking down muscles BUT, some extraordinary bogs are only left with completely soft tissue and no bones!
Contribution of science that helps us investigate and uncover the mystery of the bog people
Since the early 19th Century, unlocked bog bodies have intrigued and shocked viewers from around the world due to the mystery that surrounds them, that they have not deteriorated after all this time. Science has made a tremendous contribution, which has helped us uncover the mystery of these lost souls. Scientific procedures and forensic investigations have helped us distinguish the features of these bog bodies and allow us to grasp knowledge of what occupation they did while alive and even, their last meal.
· Radiocarbon dating (c-14): the measurement of radioactive emissions in an organism, which determines when the person died.
· Atomic absorption spectrometry: determines the composition of elements within an area on the body.
· Scanning electron microscopy: uses and electron microscope to produce high definition, three-dimensional images, used to study the distinct features of the body.
· Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy: used to determine molecular structure within the body. For example, stomach contents allow scientists to identify their last meal.
· X-Ray: used to study bone structure and confirm age. Also, to identify diseases such as rheumatism, fractures, and degeneration of bones (wear and tear of bones).
· CT scans and computer generated imaging: reconstruction of distinct facial features.
· Radiocarbon dating (c-14): the measurement of radioactive emissions in an organism, which determines when the person died.
· Atomic absorption spectrometry: determines the composition of elements within an area on the body.
· Scanning electron microscopy: uses and electron microscope to produce high definition, three-dimensional images, used to study the distinct features of the body.
· Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy: used to determine molecular structure within the body. For example, stomach contents allow scientists to identify their last meal.
· X-Ray: used to study bone structure and confirm age. Also, to identify diseases such as rheumatism, fractures, and degeneration of bones (wear and tear of bones).
· CT scans and computer generated imaging: reconstruction of distinct facial features.
Want to learn more about Bog Bodies?
WANNA KNOW MORE INTERESTING FACTS ON THE LOST BOG BODIES FROM PREHISTORY; watch here!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCj8XQLGSDs&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCj8XQLGSDs&feature=player_embedded