INVESTIGATION
Science has played a major role in shaping the world of archaeology. Through science, we are able to identify aspects of ancient remains that otherwise would have been lost through the passing of time. What happened at the time of death, the height, weight and diet all help us piece together and understand the past. Scientific investigations have allowed us to apprehend a great deal about Lindow man and the culture of the time.
SCIENTIFIC METHODS
A variety of techniques have been employed upon the scientific examination of Lindow Man. After the excavation of the body, a support mount was made to fit the contours of the remains, allowing it to be turned over and thorough examinations to be carried out.
Techniques used include:
Scanning electron microscopy- Through the use of an electron microscope, scientists are able to produce a high resolution, three dimensional images that can be used to identify physical features of the remains. Lindow man’s beard and moustache hairs were found to have “stepped “ ends, indicating th at the hairs had been roughly trimmed rather than cleanly cut, possibly with fine scissors or shears. The use of an electron microscope also revealed that his stomach contained sphagnum moss spores; crushed wheat, bran and barley, and mistletoe pollen which in Celtic tradition were used in sacrifices. The contents if the stomach suggested that Lindow man died either in winter or early spring.
Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy- This technique examines the changes in an artefacts molecular structure to determine if it was subjected to heat. Through this, scientists have revealed that Lindow man ate burnt griddlecake before his death, a common food eaten by the sacrifice during celtic tradition .
Atomic absorption spectrometry- By examining the composition of elements inside the remains, it has been revealed that lindow man had high levels of copper on his torso skin. This suggests that he would have painted himself with copper pigments prior to his death.
Techniques used include:
Scanning electron microscopy- Through the use of an electron microscope, scientists are able to produce a high resolution, three dimensional images that can be used to identify physical features of the remains. Lindow man’s beard and moustache hairs were found to have “stepped “ ends, indicating th at the hairs had been roughly trimmed rather than cleanly cut, possibly with fine scissors or shears. The use of an electron microscope also revealed that his stomach contained sphagnum moss spores; crushed wheat, bran and barley, and mistletoe pollen which in Celtic tradition were used in sacrifices. The contents if the stomach suggested that Lindow man died either in winter or early spring.
Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy- This technique examines the changes in an artefacts molecular structure to determine if it was subjected to heat. Through this, scientists have revealed that Lindow man ate burnt griddlecake before his death, a common food eaten by the sacrifice during celtic tradition .
Atomic absorption spectrometry- By examining the composition of elements inside the remains, it has been revealed that lindow man had high levels of copper on his torso skin. This suggests that he would have painted himself with copper pigments prior to his death.
DATING
Dating Lindow Man has been a problematic and lengthy process. Samples from the body and surrounding peat bog have shown conflicting results, producing dates spanning over a 900 yr period. Through radiocarbon dating the peat encasing the remains have been dated to about 300 B.C, while lindow man himself indicated a date between 2 B.C and 119 A.D, in either the iron age or romano- british periods .
death
Lindow man suffered a gruesome and extravagant death, almost certainly murder. He suffered three blows to the head, followed by an incision to his throat, draining him of blood, and finally a thin cord tied around his neck twisted with a stick, found embedded in his neck. Through the use of xeroradiography, his skull and back of his neck has been shown to display large, flat soft tissue wounds several centimeters deep. Damages to his underlying third and fourth cervical vertebrae can also be seen through the use Computerised Tomography (ct scan), consistent with the wounds found on the skull.
impact
Lindow man is an extremely important part of British history, being one of the most distinguished and well preserved bog bodies to be discovered. His finding have shaped our understanding and have led to the discovery and new found interest in bog bodies across Britain. Through analysing his remarkably well preserved body, we are better able to interperut and understand life during the iron age. The contents of his remains provide an invaluable insight into the clothing, diet, and lifestyle of his time that otherwise would have rot away without a trace .