New micro CT scans reveal that the world-famous Tollund Man, one of history’s best-preserved bog bodies, was likely up to a decade younger than experts once thought.
Tollund Man Turns Out to Be Younger Than Expected
For decades, researchers believed the Tollund Man was about 40 years old when he died around 2,400 years ago. Now, a new analysis suggests he was probably in his late 20s or early 30s. The findings come from a detailed study of his neck, back, and teeth, which show surprisingly little wear.
At first, scientists assumed age-related deterioration explained the body’s condition. However, new data from advanced scans paints a picture of a man younger and healthier than once imagined. The discovery reshapes how researchers interpret his life and death during the Iron Age.
Clues Hidden in a Perfect Set of Teeth
Interestingly, Tollund Man’s nearly flawless teeth may be the biggest clue to his true age. His teeth show no major decay or heavy wear, something rare in an era when people often did hard physical labor and had coarse diets. Because his spine and neck also show minimal signs of strain, experts now believe he may have lived a less physically demanding life than most of his contemporaries.
That possibility raises larger questions about his social status. Some researchers speculate that his work required less physical effort, hinting he could have been more privileged than others in his community. While there is no way to confirm his exact role, the condition of his teeth suggests he was younger and healthier than previously thought.
Revealing Secrets Without Damaging the Past
One of the main obstacles in reanalyzing the famous body has always been the fact that his head, with its mysterious half-smile, cannot be opened or disturbed. Modern technology has now solved that problem. Using high-resolution micro CT scans, researchers at Aarhus University’s Department of Forensic Medicine were able to look deep inside the preserved head without making a single cut.
For comparison, the new 2024 scans offer far greater detail than the previous ones taken in 2002. They reveal structures within his skull, dental roots, and internal tissues still intact after more than two millennia. The results have allowed scientists to reconstruct parts of the Tollund Man virtually, helping determine his overall health and physical condition in life.
The micro CT scanning process required delicate transportation from the Museum Silkeborg to Aarhus University under strict secrecy. In April 2024, museum staff transported the head in a specially designed metal case to ensure safety during the nighttime journey. Once there, the head was carefully placed upright in a scanning chamber designed to keep it stable for hours.
A Continuing Effort to Understand Denmark’s Ancient Heritage
The Tollund Man remains a centerpiece of the Museum Silkeborg collection, capturing public imagination since his discovery in a peat bog near Silkeborg on May 6, 1950. He is among the best-preserved examples of Iron Age mummification ever found, his face so lifelike it seems as if he could have died yesterday. Each new study brings researchers closer to understanding who he was and what life in prehistoric Denmark might have been like.
Such discoveries add to the broader understanding of Denmark’s ancient history, connecting modern technology with its archaeological heritage. The museum continues to explore new non-invasive methods to investigate the remains further without causing damage.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: New Viking Burial Discoveries Shed Light on Denmark’s Past
The Danish Dream: Moesgaard Museum Ancient Past Modern Design
DR: Et af verdens bedst bevarede moselig er blevet knap ti år yngre
