Archaeologists have recently discovered two Iron Age human remains buried in a peat bog in Ireland. Both individuals were men who lived over 2,000 years ago and were victims of a brutal sacrificial ritual.
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The mummified remains found in the peat bog. |
Similar to other human remains found in peat bogs across Northern Europe, these bodies exhibit signs of torture prior to death.
The first body was uncovered from a peat cutter in February 2003 in Clonycavan, near Dublin. Its arm, hand, and lower abdomen were missing, likely due to the cutting machine. The second body was discovered in May 2003 in Croghan, 40 kilometers from Clonycavan. This man was missing his head and legs, and was found by a worker while clearing a drain.
Radiocarbon analysis indicates that both men died around 2,300 years ago. Hundreds of human remains have been found in peat bogs throughout Northern Europe. The unique chemical properties of the bogs have helped preserve these bodies.
The man from Clonycavan was a young individual, standing no taller than 1.6 meters. Evidence of a severe head injury caused by a heavy object cutting across his skull was found beneath his hair. Chemical analysis revealed that he consumed a lot of greens before his death, suggesting he died in summer. It also indicated he used a special hair gel during the Iron Age, a type of vegetable oil mixed with pine resin.
The man from Croghan was also young, possibly in his twenties, but significantly taller at around 1.8 meters. He had been brutally tortured before his death. His nipples were cut off, and his body bore multiple stab wounds to the ribs. Injuries on his arms suggest he attempted to resist. Ultimately, this man was beheaded and dismembered.
Food remnants in his stomach indicated he had consumed milk and grains before dying. However, chemical analysis of his fingernails showed he had a higher meat intake compared to the man from Clonycavan. This suggests he died in winter, when greens were scarce. This may also explain why this mummified body was more intact.
M.T. (according to BBC)
