In a groundbreaking operation, researchers from Aarhus University have conducted a secret scan of Tollund Man’s head, which has revealed new discoveries about this 2400-year-old bog body. On April 22, the head, known for its remarkable state of preservation, was transported from Silkeborg to Aarhus to undergo advanced scans at the university’s Institute of Forensic Medicine. Using both a clinical CT scanner and a new micro-CT scanner, which can take extremely detailed images, the researchers have gained new insights into Tollund Man’s internal condition and possible cause of death. These new images have shed light on details of his teeth and eyes, sparking great excitement among researchers and museum professionals. Ole Nielsen, director of Museum Silkeborg, where Tollund Man is normally exhibited, shared his excitement about the new findings: “One eye appears to be completely intact with shape and optic nerves – it’s amazing. The other eye is punctured.” He added, “It is truly exceptional that he has eyes and a mouth that are not damaged. He lies there with an almost Mona Lisa-like smile.” This scan is not the first one Tollund Man’s head has undergone. It was also scanned back in 2002, but technological advances since then have significantly improved the quality and level of detail of the images that can be obtained. These new findings will not only enrich our understanding of Tollund Man but also provide deeper insights into life in the Iron Age. The researchers’ ongoing work promises to reveal even more secrets buried with time.

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