Bog bodies, quite literally, have the world on their shoulders for hundreds to thousands of years. Bog bodies are found buried in peat and many internal organs, skin and facial features are still intact due to the incredible conditions of the bog, which include: highly acidic water, low temperature and little oxygen. There are many theories concerning reasons for these bodies in the bog, and much evidence to support them. Some of the ancient remains have been religiously/politically sacrificed, through which has been discovered by various archaeological investigations and also, the amazing environment and amount of preservation of the bogs themselves.

When Cashel man was first discovered it was difficult for the archaeologists to be tell that he was human. The leading researcher Carol Smith said that it was difficult at first to be able to distinguish the body from the peat it was buried in, but when the body was sprayed with ionised water, the body began to take on human qualities. Cashel man was found in a bog near Cashel in Ireland (hence his name) but was damaged due to a milling machine, however the body was extremely well preserved. Radiocarbon suggests that he is the oldest bog body with intact skin in the world. Post-mortem, Cashel man had a broken arm, caused by a sharp object and had his back broken into two places. He also had a deep cut on his back, perhaps by the same sharp object that was used to break his arm. Cashel man encountered a horrific death, highlighted by Ned Kelly of the National Museum of Ireland, “A world as violent as it is strange. To open a window of the past”. Wooden stakes surrounding the body of Cashel man suggest a ritualistic sacrifice.

There are many theories suggesting that some bog bodies have been killed due to a religious, political and/or ritualistic sacrifice. This is evident in the Old Croghan man who was found north of Dainegaen, Count Offlay in Ireland. Only the upper torso was found, but from this we learn a great deal about the cause of death. There was a rope found embedded in the man’s arms with suggest that he was restrained. Carbon dating was used to investigate the age of the rope, which could help discover the date in which Old Croghan man lived. The man also had severed nipples, there are many theories surrounding this, some people are of the opinion that Old Croghan man was tortured prior to his death and the severed nipples were of a symbolic/ritualistic nature. A theory put forward by Eamonn Kelly suggests that the mutilation was symbolic of the man losing his title as ruler; others suggest that he was killed as a sacrifice to the gods, to ensure good harvest. The area in which Old Croghan man had been killed can be used as a clue also, a nearby hill called ‘Croghan hill’ (from which Old Croghan man inherits his name) is scattered with Pagan monuments and had religious and political significance in the iron age. Still intact was an arm bracelet with a metal bandon Old Croghan man’s arm. Metal analysis was undergone to determine when the band was made. The discovery of the kinds of metal used in the bracelet suggested that it was made in early medieval times after the iron age. Modern investigative techniques have not always been available, and can help us tremendously about the discovery of our past.

Without modern day archaeological technology, we would not have a deep understanding of what life was like thousands of years ago. For example MRI scans are often use to investigate the internal features and the reconstruction of faces. Even the chemical analysis of hair can help determine how well groomed the hair is, and richness of diet, therefore defining the lifestyle of the bog body found. However, one must acknowledge the profound environment where the bog body is preserved, this being the peat. "The bog is an amazing place," says Isabella Mulhall, who co-ordinates the bog bodies research project at the museum. "It is basically an anaerobic environment and the oxygen that bacteria feed off is not present, and therefore decomposition does not occur." Irrespective of the knowledge we receive from the discovery of these bog bodies about our past, peats/bogs destroy DNA. Making it impossible for people to claim descent. Although expressed by Eamonn Kelly lead excavator who thinks that most bog bodies are victims of religious/political/ritual sacrifice, "They are so evocative really. You can see those arms cradling a baby, or caressing a lover, or wielding a sword. But the personality is there; it's been preserved in their remains,”

In conclusion, there are many logical and evidential theories concerning the reasons to why these remains end up in peats, some for even religious/political/ritualistic sacrificial reasons. However, it must be concluded that all the investigative measures of modern archaeologists and through the use of modern technology we would not know as much about our past ancestors.