Bog Bodies of the Iron Age

  • By Susan K. Lewis
  • Posted 02.07.06
  • NOVA

More than a thousand preserved bodies and skeletons have emerged from the peat bogs of Northwest Europe, and scientists now have the tools to study the remains in such detail that they can, in a sense, resurrect ancient people. Drawing on the work of Dutch bog-body scholar Wijnand van der Sanden, the following map charts more than 80 important finds and includes profiles of some of the most fascinating.

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On this map of Northwest Europe, see where preserved corpses have been discovered and examine a dozen spectacular finds.

This feature originally appeared on the site for the NOVA program The Perfect Corpse.

Credits

Special Thanks

Vincent van Vilsteren, Drents Museum

Photos

(Gallagh Man, Meenybraddan Woman)
© National Museum of Ireland
(Oldcroghan Man)
© BBC 2005
(Amcotts Moor Woman)
Courtesy Michael Rhodes
(Lindow Man)
© British Museum/HIP/Art Resource, NY
(Yde Girl, Weerdinge Men)
Courtesy Drents Museum, Assen
(Rendswí¼hren Man, Osterby Man, Windeby Girl)
Courtesy Archäologisches Landesmuseum
(Tollund Man)
© Silkeborg Museum, Denmark
(Grauballe Man)
© Mogens_Laier/epa/Corbis

Illustration

(map)
© NOVA/WGBH Educational Foundation

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