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The site of discovery and the events which brought the remains to light
1952, Nebelgard Mose, Jutland, Denmark
Men cutting for peat fuel in Nebelgard Fen, near town of Grauballe, around 3 foot (a metre) underground unearthed the remains and contacted authorities. Originally believed to be a local alcoholic who went missing, the body was sent to the Prehistoric Museum at Aarhus for preservation and examination when it was realised that was not the case. |
Reconstruction of face |
The face of Grauballe Man was reconstructed using 3D scans of the skull. The skull then sculpted with clay over template provided, with techniques such as CT scanning and computer programmes helping to modify and reconstruct Grauballe Man’s face.
Forensic Analysis conductedThey used this to determine the injuries and wounds inflicted upon his body. Analysis found his throat was cut and he’d likely suffered severe blows to the head and left leg. The incision on throat stretches from ear to ear, and severed the trachea and oesophagus. The incision was ‘most likely made from several cuts’, as deduced by the professor of forensic medicine at Aarhus University. His left leg was likely broken by the weight of the peat post-mortem, as was the fact his skull was fractured on the right tibia, this fracture was believed to be from a weapon but then it was re-examined and found that it was from the pressure in the bog.
During the forensic analysis it was mentioned that there were 4 missing lumbar vertebrae. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE was used to analyse the aliementary canal revealed that his last meal was a porridge consisting of largely weed seeds, as was the case with Tollund Man. The stomach also contained traces of poison fungi ergot. This fungi was known to cause painful symptoms and fits in the victim. It is thought by professionals that it may have been deliberately administered to cause hallucination and coma before death. This behaviour may have been seen as being possessed, and with suspicions rife at the time, Grauballe Man’s death may have been a sacrificial ritual or public execution of a social outcast. Died in the winter or early spring, due contents of his stomach being un-fresh. His hands show no manual labour, and were so well preserved that fingerprints could be obtained. This kind of care could be indicative of him being an important figure in the society. However, there is also the matter that the lack of manual labour on hands can be attributed to the various ailments he suffered. |
Dating techniquesRadiocarbon dating used to find the precise age of the remains. The dating techniques point to Grauballe Man being from around 170 BC – 80 AD, most likely around 55 BC, and contemporary with Julius Caesar. This would place him living in the Late Iron Age era.
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Contemporary written sourcesTacitus wrote of how the Northern European tribes had strict societies. For less serious offences, people could be put to death. He also mentions of how these tribes have a connection and worshipping of Mother Earth. They believed that during spring, she would visit these tribes and upon departing, a number of people are selected for sacrifice. The information from Grauballe Mans death would highlight him as a likely (if unwilling) candidate.
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