The Clonycavan Man

 

In March of 2003, a body was found in a bog by peat cutters in Clonycavan, County Meath, Ireland . The body belonged to a man between 24 to 40 (believed to be in his 20's) who died between 392 BC to 201 BC. He was 5'2", and had crooked teeth. He had long and styled hair. The front of his hair was shaven, giving him a higher hairline, and the remainder was several inches long which was folded forward and then back, and sported a goatee and mustache. There was hair oil in his hair that consisted of plant oil and pine resins found in France or Spain. He had a rich diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, and protein.

It's believed that he may have been a king that was sacrificed after a bad harvest or another disaster.  His death may have been done to please the goddess of fertility. He was likely killed during the warmer months of the year which was indicated by his diet.

He was killed from a blow to the head with a sharp instrument, possibly an axe, and then was hit in the nose, chest, and was disemboweled. His nipples were may have been sliced off or were missing due to decomposition. If his nipples were sliced off, that would possibly mean that he failed kingship or a failed candidate for kingship.

SOURCES:

Wikipedia

Mummipedia Wiki

BBC News Jan. 7, 2006

Archeology

The Roum Man

In June of 1942, the severed head of a man was found in a bog in Himmerland, Germany. The head belonged to a young man about 20-years-old and the sheepskin wrapped around the head helped date him to the Iron Age. It was initially believed to be a woman's head, but the beard stubble on the dace now makes them believe they were a man. 

SOURCES:

Mummipedia Wiki

Wikipedia

The Old Croghan Man

The Old Croghan Man is a bog body found in Croghan Hill, Daingean, County Offaly, Ireland in June 2003. Despite his name, he was believed to be in his early 20's and died between 362 BCE and 175 BCE. From the measurements of his arms, it's believed he was around 6'6". His body indicated he did little to no labor and manicured nails. His lungs had scars which indicated he may have had pleurisy.

He was naked except for an arm ring on his left arm. The arm ring was made from two waterlogged leather, strands of fibers, and four bronze mounts.

It's believed that he was a king that was sacrificed for a bad harvest or disaster. At the time of his death kings were blamed and sacrificed for such things. This may have been done to please the gods. He was also in a bog that may have been a lake at one time at the bottom of a hill used for kingship ceremonies. 

It's believed he was killed in the winter months as his diet indicated that it was rich in meat. His last meal was wheat and buttermilk, but that may have been because of ritual. He was stabbed in the ribs and there's a cut on his arm indicating he tried to defend himself. It's believed that he died from this stab. He had cuts beneath his nipples and may have been tortured before death. His nipples may have been mutilated because of failed kingship or failed candidate for kingship.  He would be dismembered and beheaded. Hazel ropes were passed through his arms before he was buried in the bog.

SOURCES:
Wikipedia
Mummipedia Wiki
BBC News Jan. 7, 2006
Archeology

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