The Bog Bodies Uncovered

Over the past two centuries, peat cutters in the bogs of northern Europe have periodically unearthed the remains of prehistoric men, women and children so well preserved that they are often mistaken for victims of modern crime. In many cases their skin, hair, nails, and marks of injury survive, betraying the violence that surrounded their deaths. Who were these unfortunate people, and why were they killed? Archaeologists, armed with the latest analytical techniques, are today investigating these cold cases to reveal much about our distant past. Forensic science allows us to deduce the age, physical condition, status, cause and time of death of these ancient victims, helping to answer the fundamental questions that they pose: were these people executed, simply murdered, or victims of human sacrifice? Who selected them? Who delivered the killing blow, and why? It is time for a new book about bog bodies. The number of known bodies is growing. Lindow Man, the famous 'Pete Marsh' discovered in Cheshire in the 1980s, has been joined by new finds from Ireland and elsewhere. Drawing on all the latest evidence and research, Miranda Aldhouse-Green has written an engrossing detective story, uncovering the hidden truths behind these murder mysteries. In the pages of this book we come face-to-face with our ancestors and can begin to understand their ancient lives - and deaths.