Lindow Man
GreatArchaeology»Lindow Man

Lindow Man is a human male who lived in Britain during the late Iron Age and died approximately 2,000 years ago. His body was discovered in a peat bog near the village of Lindow in Cheshire, England in 1984.


The remains of Lindow Man were so well-preserved that scientists were able to reconstruct much of his life and death. Carbon dating and other techniques showed him to have been alive around the time of the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD. He was between 25 and 50 years old when he died. Because of the excellent condition of the remains, scientists were able to determine that Lindow Man was of average height and had a muscular build. He had a broken arm, which indicates he may have been involved in a struggle prior to his death.


Analysis of the remains also revealed that he had suffered a number of wounds, including a fractured skull, a severed left arm, and a crushed rib cage. These injuries likely occurred shortly before his death, and it is believed that he may have been a victim of a ritual sacrifice. In addition to the wounds, Lindow Man had a number oftattoos, piercings, and ritualistic cuts found on his body . These indicate that he was part of a religious or spiritual group and was likely involved in their ceremonies and rituals. The discovery of Lindow Man has provided a unique glimpse into Iron Age life in Britain, and he continues to be studied by archaeologists today.



Archaeological Evidence Connected to Lindow Man :


Archaeological evidence connected to Lindow Man includes a variety of artifacts, remains, and other evidence that has been uncovered since his discovery in 1984. The most prominent evidence is the remains of Lindow Man himself. Found in a peat bog in Cheshire, England, his remains have been dated to the late Iron Age, around 200 BC. His body was remarkably preserved and is now one of the best-known archaeological finds from the Iron Age.


To the remains of Lindow Man himself, various artifacts were discovered at the site, including a hide cap, a leather belt, and a belt buckle. These items suggest that Lindow Man was of high status or was involved in ritual activities. Other artifacts found at the site include a spindle whorl, a piece of iron, and a piece of shale. These artifacts are believed to have been used in ritual activities, likely related to fertility or other religious ceremonies.


Other evidence that has been uncovered includes pollen and plant remains, which have helped to reconstruct the environment of the area at the time of Lindow Man's death. Pollen analysis has suggested that the area was heavily wooded, with oak and birch trees dominant. The presence of certain species of plants also suggests that the area was near a large body of water.


Finally, numerous pieces of evidence related to Lindow Man's death have been uncovered. This includes evidence of strangulation and blunt force trauma, suggesting that he was killed by a combination of these two methods. The presence of certain chemicals in his body has also indicated that he may have been poisoned before being killed.






Theories on the Cause of Death of Lindow Man :


  • Lindow Man, also known as Lindow II and Pete Marsh, is the name given to a well-preserved Iron Age bog body, discovered in a peat bog at Lindow Moss near Wilmslow in Cheshire, England. He is believed to have died in the 1st century BC, making him one of the oldest bog bodies ever found. The cause of death has been the subject of debate for decades, and numerous theories have been proposed.

  • One of the most popular theories is that Lindow Man was a human sacrifice. This theory is based on archaeological evidence from other Iron Age sites, which suggests that human sacrifice was practiced by some Iron Age people. According to this theory, Lindow Man was killed as part of a ritual offering to the gods, either as part of a fertility ritual or as a form of punishment.

  • Another theory is that Lindow Man was killed as part of a judicial execution. This theory is based on the fact that Lindow Man's hands and feet appear to have been bound before he died. This suggests that he may have been killed as part of a punishment for a crime he had committed.

  • A third theory is that Lindow Man was killed as part of a revenge killing. This theory suggests that Lindow Man was killed by someone who had a personal grudge against him, possibly a rival or an enemy of his tribe.

  • Some have suggested that Lindow Man may have died as a result of an accident, such as drowning. This theory is based on the fact that his body was found in a bog, which could have been caused by his body being accidentally submerged in water.

  • No matter which theory is correct, Lindow Man's death remains a mystery. His body is an important archaeological find, and his death is a reminder of the harsh realities of life in the Iron Age.



Archaeologists contributing to the Lindow Man Project
Robert  Connolly

He is having leadership positions on Board of Directors, Davies ...


Hutton's books on paganism have received some criticism from certain ...
Analysis of the Lindow Man's Hair & Clothing :

The Lindow Man was discovered in 1984, preserved in a peat bog in Cheshire, England. He was originally dated around the second century CE, but recent carbon dating suggests he was likely alive between A.D. 50 and A.D. 100.



  • Hair :
    The Lindow Man was found to have a full head of curly brown hair. His hair was neatly cut and combed, indicating he had a well-maintained personal appearance. It is possible that he used some type of oil or pomade to keep his hair tamed and in shape.


  • Clothing:
    The Lindow Man was found wearing a woolen cloak or cape. It was likely made of two rectangular pieces of cloth, sewn together at the shoulders and at the sides. The fabric was likely dyed using plant-based dyes, as shown by the blue and yellow colors. The garment was secured with a leather belt and decorated with bronze studs. He was also wearing a pair of leather shoes, which were well-crafted and had decorative laces.


  • Necklace :
    The Lindow Man was wearing a necklace of jet beads and an armlet of jet and bronze. Jet is a black stone that was popular in the Iron Age and was likely used as a symbol of wealth and status. His armlet would have been highly valuable and expensive, indicating he was likely a person of some social standing.


The clothing and jewelry of the Lindow Man provide us with insights into the Iron Age society in which he lived. His clothing suggests he was of some social standing, and his jewelry may have been a sign of his wealth and status. The careful attention to his personal grooming also suggests that he had a certain degree of sophistication and self-respect.


Books Related to Lindow Man
Lindow man body in bog
Lindow Man: The Body in the Bog by I.M. Stead,J. B. Bourke and Don R. Brothwell. It was published by British Museum Publications in 1986 for the trustees of British Museum.
Lindow man people Focus
Lindow Man (People in Focus) by Jody Joy. Lindow Manwas accidentally discovered by peat-cutters in Cheshire in the 1980s. He was first thought to be a modern murder victim, but scientific investigations soon proved that he had died in the first century AD, around the time of the Roman conquest of Britain.
Rich Resources over the web on Lindow Man
Lindow man

Lindow Man from England had been struck from behind on the head with an axe, struck in the back with such force that one of the ribs was broken, and then unconscious but still alive, he was garrotted with a cord tied around his neck.
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