The Man
Lindow Man was unclothed apart from a fox-fur armband. Researchers discovered that his hair and beard had been trimmed with scissors or shears. Based on the fact that his nails were manicured, it is thought that he didn't do any hard work. There are no visible cavities on his teeth, and what remained after the chemical reactions in the bog were seen as normal.
Scientists have found that his last meal included unleavened bread made of wheat and barley, which was cooked over a heather-burning fire. It was also found that he had consumed a drink containing mistletoe pollen (considered sacred among the Druids) and several other ingredients prior to his death.
His overall appearance is healthy, but there are signs of slight osteoarthritis and an infestation of parasitic worms.
Scientists have found that his last meal included unleavened bread made of wheat and barley, which was cooked over a heather-burning fire. It was also found that he had consumed a drink containing mistletoe pollen (considered sacred among the Druids) and several other ingredients prior to his death.
His overall appearance is healthy, but there are signs of slight osteoarthritis and an infestation of parasitic worms.
The Find
On the 1st August 1981, a peat cutter who was in charge of clearing a conveyor of debris, saw what he thought to be a piece of wood, and threw it to the ground, only to discover the remains of a human leg. Rick Turner (a country archaeologist) was called to the site, and found a piece of dark, tanned skin projecting from the peat.
By the 6th August, the site had been recorded and sampled, and a large block of peat was removed, containing the remains of Lindow Man.
By the 6th August, the site had been recorded and sampled, and a large block of peat was removed, containing the remains of Lindow Man.
The Death
There is evidence of two blows to the top of the skull, with a heavy and bladed weapon (e.g. a narrow-bladed axe).
There is also a knife wound to the throat, and signs of a vicious blow to the back causing a broken rib. He had a thin cord wrapped around his throat, which may have been the cause of his broken neck, but there is also evidence suggesting that it was purely a necklace, because of its decorative nature.
After death, he was placed face-down in the bog. His death may have been a ritualistic killing, a human sacrifice, or an execution due to criminal acts.
There is also a knife wound to the throat, and signs of a vicious blow to the back causing a broken rib. He had a thin cord wrapped around his throat, which may have been the cause of his broken neck, but there is also evidence suggesting that it was purely a necklace, because of its decorative nature.
After death, he was placed face-down in the bog. His death may have been a ritualistic killing, a human sacrifice, or an execution due to criminal acts.
The Location
On the 1st August 1984, a peat-cutter saw what he thought was piece of wood on a conveyor belt. To keep the conveyor free of debris, the man threw it away. As it hit the ground, dirt flew off it and exposed a human leg. Rick Turner - a newly appointed country archaeologist - was called to the site the next day, and discovered a flap of dark, tanned skin projecting from the peat.
By the 6th August, the site had been recorded and sampled, and finally a large peat block was lifted from the bog, containing the remains of Lindow Man.
By the 6th August, the site had been recorded and sampled, and finally a large peat block was lifted from the bog, containing the remains of Lindow Man.
The Preservation
Lindow Man's skin has been remarkably well preserved, with many of his facial features still recognisable; most obvious being his distinctive furrowed brow. His preserved condition has been likened to that of Grauballe Man and Tollund Man of Denmark.
Pressure from the peat above, as well as decalcification, has caused his skull to become distorted. It is also unlikely that any DNA will be recovered from Lindow Man.
During examination, scientists maintained the moisture of the body by applying distilled water. Lindow Man has now been freeze-dried and is kept in a climate controlled environment in the British Museum to prevent damage.
Pressure from the peat above, as well as decalcification, has caused his skull to become distorted. It is also unlikely that any DNA will be recovered from Lindow Man.
During examination, scientists maintained the moisture of the body by applying distilled water. Lindow Man has now been freeze-dried and is kept in a climate controlled environment in the British Museum to prevent damage.