Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Folk Studies and Anthropology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

For several centuries, peat harvesters in Northern Europe have been finding the mummified remains of late Bronze Age (1100 – 800 B.C.E.) and Iron Age (800 B.C.E.- 400 C.E.) people. Within the last century, scientists have begun to study these remains in depth. These bodies pique much curiosity due to the apparent violence associated with their deaths. Because of this, these remains have proven to be significant parts of the societies in which they died and that in which they were discovered. It is inferred from archaeological evidence that these individuals may have held religious importance in Bronze-Iron Age societies. Today, these remains continue to have cultural relevance for their role in inspiring introspection in modern societies. This paper examines the natural creation of bog bodies, describes three prominent examples of such remains, and discusses their significance in both ancient and modern eras. The final section proposes a holistic research program for the study of bog bodies that involves a comprehensive inventory, standardized bioarchaeological evaluation of specimens, and the application of anthropological concepts.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Dr. Darlene Applegate, Dr. Jean-Luc Houle, Dr. Christopher Keller

Disciplines

Anthropology

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Included in

Anthropology Commons

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