Discovered by chance in the 1950s, the Tollund Man is a remarkably preserved body from the Iron Age. Found in a Danish peat bog, his near-perfect condition initially led people to believe he was a recent murder victim. However, carbon dating revealed a startling truth: this was a man frozen in time, dating back over 2,400 years.
The Tollund Man’s body offered scientists an unprecedented opportunity to study life in the Iron Age. His preserved stomach contents provided a detailed snapshot of his last meal: a simple yet nourishing porridge of barley and flax, supplemented by fish. This extraordinary find has deepened our understanding of ancient diets and lifestyles.
Tragically, the man met a violent end. The noose around his neck suggests he was a victim of ritual sacrifice, a chilling testament to the customs of that era. The Tollund Man remains a captivating enigma, offering a haunting glimpse into a distant past.