Skeletal analysis and comparison of bog bodies from Northern European peat bogs

• Published in: Die Naturwissenschaften 2010-04, Vol.97 (4), p.393-402
• Main Authors: Pestka, Jan M, Barvencik, Florian, Beil, Frank T, Marshall, Robert P, Jopp, Eilin, Schilling, Arndt F, Bauerochse, Andreas, Fansa, Mamoun, Püschel, Klaus, Amling, Michael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Bogs; Bone and Bones - anatomy & histology; Bone Density; Bone mineral density; Computed tomography; Conservation; Demineralization; Environment; Female; Femur; Functional Laterality; Germany; Handedness; History, Ancient; History, Medieval; Humans; Immobilization; Iron; Life Sciences; Mineralization; Original Paper; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis - diagnosis; Peat; Radiography; Skeleton; Soil; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Wetlands
• ISSN: 0028-1042; 1432-1904
• DOI: 10.1007/s00114-010-0653-3

Although numerous bodies were deposited in Western European bogs in the past centuries, few were found and underwent archeological analysis. No studies comparing skeletal structure and mineralization of bog bodies from different ages have been performed to this day. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze and compare skeletal features and specifics of the human remains of three bog bodies from the Iron and Middle Ages found in Northern European peat bogs. Demineralization due to the acidic environment in peat bogs was comparably pronounced in all three bodies. Still, the macroscopic state of skeletal preservation was excellent. In addition to contact radiography, we used peripheral quantitative computed tomography to measure cortical bone mineral density. The conservation of skeletal three-dimensional microstructural elements was assessed by high-resolution microcomputed tomography analysis. These techniques revealed severe differences in bone mineral density and enabled us to determine handedness in all three bodies. Additionally, unique skeletal features like intravital bone lesions, immobilization osteoporosis, and Harris lines were found. A deformity of the left femoral head was observed which had the typical appearance of an advanced stage of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. This study gives detailed insight into the skeletal microstructure and microarchitecture of 800- to 2,700-year-old bog bodies. Skeletal analysis enables us to draw conclusions not only concerning changes in the acidic environment of the bog, but also serves as a diagnostic tool to unravel life circumstances and diseases suffered by humans in the Iron and Middle Ages.