bog body
- Museum number
- 1984,1002.2
- Title
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Object: Lindow Man
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Object: Lindow II
- Description
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Human tissue; severed right leg. Part of Lindow Man (see 1984,1002.1), found preserved in a bog.
- Production date
- 2 BC - 119 (circa)
- Dimensions
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Length: 440 millimetres
- Curator's comments
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Lindow Man’s official name is Lindow II, since other human remains have also been found in Lindow Moss bog: a human skull, known as Lindow I and a fragmented headless body, Lindow III. Remains of the thigh of an adult man are known as Lindow IV, although since these were discovered only 15m away from Lindow Man they could be the remains of his missing leg.
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Lindow Man is a well-preserved human body found in a peat-bog at Lindow Moss, near Manchester, in 1984. He died a violent death, sustaining many injuries before he was placed face down in a pool in the bog.
Lindow Man’s discovery triggered an unprecedented scientific investigation, which ultimately led to his display at the British Museum. Radiocarbon dating indicates that he was killed sometime between 2 BC – AD 119. This means that he was probably killed shortly before or after the Roman conquest of this part of Iron Age Britain in the early 60s AD. The Romans outlawed human sacrifice, but without a more precise date of death we cannot say for certain whether this was the most likely reason for him to be killed. Lindow Man could also have been the victim of a violent crime or an executed criminal.
Why did Lindow Man last so long in the bog?
He conditions in peat bogs mean that bog bodies such as Lindow Man have been well preserved. Bogs are cold, acidic places lacking in oxygen, which makes them hostile environments for micro-organisms that break bodies down. Sphagnum mosses that grow in bogs also help preserve bog bodies. When the mosses die, they release a sugary substance that acts as a tanning agent. This turns skin, tendons, ligaments and muscle into leather. It also turns skin brown and hair red.
How has Lindow Man been conserved?
Scientists at the British Museum had to find a suitable way of preserving Lindow Man. They wanted to prevent his remains from decaying after he had been removed from the bog. Lindow Man was first immersed in a solution of polyethylene glycol, a chemical that prevented the body shrinking when it dried out. He was then wrapped in cling film and frozen after which he was freeze-dried to remove water. This treatment successfully preserved his body and meant that it could be displayed.
What do we know about Lindow Man?
Lindow Man’s discovery led unprecedented scientific research. Naked except for a fox-fur armband, he was 1.73m tall and weighed 64kg. He was around 25 years old when he died. He was well groomed, with trimmed beard and filed fingernails. Just before he died he ate a flat, unleavened griddle cake baked over an open fire. Several grains of mistletoe polled were also found in his stomach. It is not certain whether these were deliberately or accidentally ingested.
How did Lindow Man die?
Lindow Man sustained many injuries before being placed in the bog. Experts have debated their nature and extent. For example, the twisted sinew around his neck could have been used as a garrotte – or it may have just been a necklace. Other injuries included blows to the top and back of the head, a possible stab wound to the neck and a broken neck, which finally killed him.
- Location
- On display (G50/dc26)
- Exhibition history
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Exhibited:
2009 Aug-Nov, Newcastle, Great North Museum, 'Lindow Man'
2008-2009 8 Apr-Apr, Manchester Museum, 'Lindow Man'
- Acquisition date
- 1984
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1984,1002.2