One of the most fascinating aspects of human evolution and preservation is Ötzi, the Iceman. He is a man preserved as a mummy who died around 3255 BC at approximately 46 years of age. The mummy was discovered by two German mountaineers during an expedition in the Ötztal Mountains. It is considered the oldest naturally preserved human mummy in Europe and has become famous for providing a more detailed glimpse into the lives of humans during the Copper Age.
In this article we are going to tell you all the characteristics, discoveries and curiosities of Ötzi the ice man.
Discoveries about Ötzi the Iceman
Scientists have discovered the cause of the mummification of the body. It is a situation in which the extreme cold of the Alps accelerated the decomposition process, resulting in mummification. When the climbers found the body, they believed it to be a recent one. It is more common to find the bodies of other climbers trapped in the mountains by the extreme cold. However, this particular body was recovered by Austrian authorities, allowing for a study to determine its true age.
The body of Ötzi the Iceman was extensively examined, X-rayed, measured, and dated. Analysis was performed on the finest tissues that had been preserved over time. The contents of his organs were also analyzed and examined under a microscope. Traces of pollen found on his clothing from that period were discovered on the body. Thanks to scientific research involving genome sequencing, it was revealed that this man had brown eyes, blood type O+, lactose intolerance, and cardiovascular problems. To better understand life in antiquity, other cases, such as those of ancient civilizations and their customs , can be explored.
Estimates of Ötzi the Iceman's body shape indicate that he was approximately 159 centimeters tall, weighed 50 kilos, and was 46 years old. Thanks to all the research and modern technology, it was discovered that he suffered from arthritis, cavities, intestinal parasites, and Lyme disease. As you can see, thanks to scientific advances, a great deal of information can be obtained from a corpse, even if it is as old as this one.
The information obtained from the pollen found on his clothing indicated it was from black hornbeam. Black hornbeam is a tree that blooms in the Alps from March to June, suggesting that Ötzi the Iceman died during the spring and early summer.
Scientific analysis
Scientists prepared various in-depth analyzes in order to discover as much information as possible about Ötzi the Iceman. The analysis of the pollen grains, dust and isotopic composition of the enamel of the teeth indicated that he spent his entire childhood near the current town of Velturno.
Intestinal analysis revealed two recent meals. One of these meals occurred approximately eight hours before death. This meal consisted of chamois and red deer meat, both consumed along with some type of grain. This grain was likely processed einkorn bran , probably eaten as bread. Some blackthorn seeds (small plums from the blackthorn tree) and some roots were also found in the intestine.
The pollen found with the first meal proved that it was consumed in a mid-altitude coniferous forest. Other pollen samples indicated the presence of wheat and legumes, which could have been harvested from home gardens. Further analysis of the pollen revealed grains of hornbeam (Aspermum lupulino). These grains were found in perfect condition, with intact cells inside . This indicated that the pollen was fresh and had been recently applied at the time of Ötzi's death.
It's worth noting that the late summer harvest and the autumn sloes must have been stored from the previous year. Many of the mummy's tissues were damaged by the temperatures and changes resulting from the body's transport. These problems hampered subsequent analysis and made it impossible to understand these tissues. A great deal of information can be gleaned from mummies as long as they are well preserved. The slightest change in temperature or environmental conditions can degrade tissues to such a high degree that they are impossible to identify.
Ötzi the iceman and his latest actions
Thanks to the discovery of the substances that were in the corpse, it was possible to know the last actions of Ötzi the iceman before he died. From what is seen, this man tried to heal something such as a cut on his hand using moss. This could be verified with the remains found in the body. This person may have known about the clotting properties of a certain bog moss and applied it to the wound. Possibly, after ingesting the food that we have previously mentioned, part of that moss reached the digestive system. All this can be important elements to consider since it was vitally important that this man had rudimentary knowledge of the properties of the plants around him.
Sixty-eight tattoos were also found on his left wrist, two on his lower back, five on his right leg, and two on his left leg . They are small groups of parallel lines that do not form a recognizable pattern. X-rays were used to determine that Ötzi, the Iceman, suffered from arthritis in these areas. There has been much speculation that the tattoos may have served a magical or healing purpose in that era, akin to modern-day acupuncture.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about Ötzi the ice man.