Scientic Methods Used For Study
The body of the Windeby Girl was studied for a long time. At first the archeaologists that uncovered the body assumed that it was a girl due to the shape of the hips. Fairly recent DNA testing says something different. However, there was a theory floating around, saying that it might have been a boy. Heather Gill-Robinson of North Dakota State University took a close look at the body and tested its DNA. This proved that the Windeby "Girl", was infact the Windeby "Boy". The DNA was shown to be that of a young male.
Many people thought that this "Girl" was put to death for being and adulteress due to the discovery of a male body close by. Radio Carbon dating later proved that the supposed lover lived 3 centuries earlier to the Windeby "Girl". Bone examination that performed on the body stated that the body in fact was not killed but died of natural causes. Growth interruptions in the bones indicated that he was malnourished and sickly.
Michael Gebühr, an archaeologist from the University of Hamburg, thinks that the body was blindfolded before burial to protect the living from the gaze of the dead. However, all theories on the body are not conclusive and are still just speculations.
Facial reconstruction was performed to show the distinct features of the face and skull of Windeby I. Windeby I was found with half his head supposedly shaven off. Recent inspection has stated that half his hair fell off during excavation.
Many people thought that this "Girl" was put to death for being and adulteress due to the discovery of a male body close by. Radio Carbon dating later proved that the supposed lover lived 3 centuries earlier to the Windeby "Girl". Bone examination that performed on the body stated that the body in fact was not killed but died of natural causes. Growth interruptions in the bones indicated that he was malnourished and sickly.
Michael Gebühr, an archaeologist from the University of Hamburg, thinks that the body was blindfolded before burial to protect the living from the gaze of the dead. However, all theories on the body are not conclusive and are still just speculations.
Facial reconstruction was performed to show the distinct features of the face and skull of Windeby I. Windeby I was found with half his head supposedly shaven off. Recent inspection has stated that half his hair fell off during excavation.
What Was Learnt About The Society
Windeby I was thought to be from the early centuries A.D. between 1-200 A.D. The original theory of her being an adulteress led historians to believe that their society looked down on adulterers and was punishable by death. Also, the theory of the blindfold placed on the body made historians believe that this particular society was superstitious for, 'not wanting the dead to gaze on the living'.
During the bone examinations it showed that this boy was malnourished and this might have led to his death. This proved that in this society Windeby I may have been a peasant. No clothes were found with the body and this might suggest that they may have buried their dead naked and held them down with stones.
During the bone examinations it showed that this boy was malnourished and this might have led to his death. This proved that in this society Windeby I may have been a peasant. No clothes were found with the body and this might suggest that they may have buried their dead naked and held them down with stones.