Peat Bogs
Conditions including highly acidic water, low temperature, and lack of oxygen combine to preserve bodies. Although skin is preserved, the acid in the peat often dissolves bones.
As new peat grows in the bog, older material underneath rots, releasing humic acid (i.e. bog acid). This acid has a pH level similar to that of vinegar, which allows human tissue to be preserved.
Peat bogs are also lacking in drainage, and are characterised by mainly anaerobic conditions due to this. This particular environment denies submerged aerobic organisms and opportunity to begin decomposition.
It has also been found that for a body to be preserved wholly, the water temperature in the bog must be below 4°C.
Layers of sphagnum moss and peat help preserve a body by enveloping it in a cold, immobilising matrix. This environment prevents water circulation as well as oxygen reaching the body and causing it to break down.
Information sourced from: http://www.crystalinks.com/bogbodies.html
As new peat grows in the bog, older material underneath rots, releasing humic acid (i.e. bog acid). This acid has a pH level similar to that of vinegar, which allows human tissue to be preserved.
Peat bogs are also lacking in drainage, and are characterised by mainly anaerobic conditions due to this. This particular environment denies submerged aerobic organisms and opportunity to begin decomposition.
It has also been found that for a body to be preserved wholly, the water temperature in the bog must be below 4°C.
Layers of sphagnum moss and peat help preserve a body by enveloping it in a cold, immobilising matrix. This environment prevents water circulation as well as oxygen reaching the body and causing it to break down.
Information sourced from: http://www.crystalinks.com/bogbodies.html
Examination
Radiocarbon Dating: Revealed that he died between 2 BC and 119 AD.
Scanning Electron Microscope: Revealed that the hairs on his head had 'stepped' ends, indicating it was well trimmed with sharp scissors or shears. It also revealed his stomach contained crushed barley, bran, and wheat, as well as mistletoe pollen, sphagnum spores and barley grains.
Electron Spin Resonance (ESR): Revealed that he'd eaten a burnt griddle-cake prior to death.
Forensic Analysis: Revealed that his head had been bashed so severely fragments of bone had come into contact with the brain; he'd been strangled with a rope; and his throat had been cut. A facial reconstruction was also produced using his skull.
Scanning Electron Microscope: Revealed that the hairs on his head had 'stepped' ends, indicating it was well trimmed with sharp scissors or shears. It also revealed his stomach contained crushed barley, bran, and wheat, as well as mistletoe pollen, sphagnum spores and barley grains.
Electron Spin Resonance (ESR): Revealed that he'd eaten a burnt griddle-cake prior to death.
Forensic Analysis: Revealed that his head had been bashed so severely fragments of bone had come into contact with the brain; he'd been strangled with a rope; and his throat had been cut. A facial reconstruction was also produced using his skull.