What Are Bog Bodies?
Bog bodies are bodies found in the peat bogs of northern Europe. What makes these particular bodies stand out is the fact that they have been extremely well preserved, so much so that even bog bodies that are 2000 years old still have their hair and nails in tact. These bodies are found in low-lying bog lands in many parts of Europe.
How Are They Preserved?
Bog bodies are found in peat bogs all across Europe. This peat is cut from the bogs to provide fuel for fires. Bodies deposited in water would decompose fairly quickly, but this is not the case with peat, as there is little or no oxygen in the bogs for decay to take place. Sphagnan, a substance found in the cell walls of moss, is believed to be one of the reasons that the bodies deposited in the peat bogs have been preserved so well. Whilst sphagnan prevents destructive bacteria from operating, it also contributes to the tanning of the bodies, which converts the skin to leather. This is why the bog bodies appear the way they do.