Secrets of ‘ancient swamp man’ revealed after analysis of remains
RECENT research in Denmark has shed light on the life and death of a Stone Age man.
In 1915, researchers discovered the remains of a human known as Vittrup Man.
2
The remains were discovered in a Danish swamp and date back to about 3300 BC.
These remains include the man’s right ankle bone, the shaft of a lower left tibia, a fragmented skull and a jawbone.
It is believed that the individual was violently beaten to death as part of a ritual killing.
Thanks to a new study, archaeologists now think they know more about the life of the individual.
The study looked at isotopes detected in the Bog Man’s tooth enamel and proteins in his bones.
After analyzing the DNA, scientists believe the Vittrup man was not from Denmark, despite being murdered there.
Instead, they determined that the individual was born on the Scandinavian coast.
Isotopic features indicated a childhood in a colder, probably northern climate.
Furthermore, the presence of marine animals and fish in its early diet indicated a coastal upbringing.
These findings suggest that at some point in his life Vittrup Man undertook a significant journey, traveling from his Scandinavian coastal home to Denmark.
The reasons behind this migration remain unclear, whether it was voluntary or forced.
“There are many possible explanations for such a drastic change in lifestyle and geography,” the team said writes.
“Perhaps he was an immigrant or trader who became integrated into an equal social status as other members of the local Funnel Cup Association,” she added.
“He could also have been a prisoner/slave providing labor and possibly maritime skills.”
The tragic end of Vittrup Man also serves as a potential insight into the ritual practices of the Neolithic.
The brutal nature of his death suggests that he may have been the victim of human sacrifice, a practice not uncommon in some ancient societies.
“Apparently this dubious honor was also awarded to persons of non-local origin,” the authors said.