Definition: Tollund Man is the name given to an Iron Age man whose body was recovered in amazingly pristine state from the Bjældskovdal peat bog near Tollund, Denmark.
Tollund Man is probably among the most well-known and often-photographed bog body, because of the wonderful preservation of his face; in fact, when he was discovered in 1950, the police had a hard time believing he had been dead that long. He was nude, except for a cap and belt, and the rope around his neck; he was killed about 210 BC.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Tollund Man is probably among the most well-known and often-photographed bog body, because of the wonderful preservation of his face; in fact, when he was discovered in 1950, the police had a hard time believing he had been dead that long. He was nude, except for a cap and belt, and the rope around his neck; he was killed about 210 BC.
Source
Coles, Byrony and Coles, John. 1989. People of the Wetlands: Bogs, Bodies and Lake-Dwellers. Thames and Hudson, LondonThis glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
