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Norwegian scientists reveal new insights about an 800-year-old corpse discovered in a castle well
Recent studies, published in the journal iScience, have confirmed that the Well-man was not one of King Sverre’s followers, as previously believed. (Image: iScience journal)
A fresh scientific study of 800-year-old human remains has unveiled new insights into a centuries-old mystery surrounding a corpse discovered in a well at Sverresborg Castle in Norway.
The remains, known as the “Well-man,” were initially found in 1938 but remained largely unidentified until now. The story begins with the Sverris Saga, an ancient text detailing the reign of King Sverre Sigurdsson during the tumultuous 12th century, the New York Post reported.
‘Well-man’
This saga recounts a military raid in 1197 when the Bagler faction, opposed to King Sverre, allegedly threw a body into the castle’s well to contaminate the water supply. The saga states, “They took a dead man and cast him into the well, and then filled it up with stones.”
Fresh studies, published in the journal iScience, have confirmed that the Well-man was not one of King Sverre’s followers, as previously believed. Instead, genetic analysis indicates he hailed from southern Norway, likely linking him to the Baglers who attacked the castle.
Martin Ellegaard, a lead author from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, used DNA extracted from a tooth to reveal that Well-man had blue eyes and blond or light-brown hair. The research team conducted advanced genomic sequencing and radiocarbon dating to establish that the remains are approximately 900 years old.
Earlier Findings
Previous excavations in 2014 and 2016 unearthed additional bones, including fragments of his skull and left hand. These findings suggest that Well-man was between 30 and 40 years old at his time of death and may have suffered from physical ailments due to manual labor.
Ellegaard stressed that this study marks a significant milestone in linking historical texts with physical evidence. “This is the first time that a person described in these historical texts has actually been found,” he was quoted as saying by The Post. The research not only corroborates details from the Sverris Saga but also sheds light on medieval travel patterns in Norway.
While researchers acknowledge that ancient texts can be embellished, they provide valuable context for understanding historical events. Anna Petersen, another researcher involved in the study, noted that these discoveries helped transform Well-man from an anonymous figure into someone with a life story.
- Location :
Norway
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