In a remarkable and secretive operation, the well-preserved head of the Tollund Man was recently scanned at Aarhus University in Denmark. This scanning, which took place on April 22, has the potential to reveal new information about the 2,400-year-old bog body, including his internal condition and possible cause of death. The Tollund Man, whose head is kept at the Silkeborg Museum, was discreetly transported from Silkeborg to Aarhus for the scanning. The scanning was conducted at the Institute of Forensic Medicine using advanced technology, including a micro-CT scanner that provides extremely detailed images.
The results of the scanning have already generated great excitement among researchers and museum professionals. Among the most remarkable findings are images of the Tollund Man’s teeth and eyes. “One eye appears to be completely intact with shape and optic nerves – it’s fantastic,” says Ole Nielsen, director of the Silkeborg Museum. He adds that unfortunately, the other eye is punctured, but that does not diminish the extraordinary nature of the discoveries.
Interestingly, the Tollund Man’s head was last scanned in 2002, but with the technological advancements since then, the new scans are far more detailed and informative. These new data could even reveal whether the Tollund Man experienced periods of illness or hunger in his childhood, which can be observed through cross-lines in the teeth.
The transportation and the scanning itself were kept secret and carried out under strict security measures. The head was transported in a metal box in Ole Nielsen’s personal car to avoid unnecessary attention that could disrupt the important work. Now, the Tollund Man is back in his display case at the Silkeborg Museum, where he can continue to be admired by the public, while researchers analyze the new data that may shed further light on life in the Iron Age.