Iceman is the term used to describe the frozen, preserved body of a man found in the Italian Alps in 1991. The body was discovered by hikers in an area called Otztaler, which lies east of the Inn River along the borders of Italy and Austria. At first, authorities believed the body was the victim of a crime or an accident. After closer examination, however, they discovered the body was actually more than 5,000 years old. This discovery has provided archaeologists and other scientists with many insights into life in prehistoric Europe before the Bronze Age. Nicknamed Otzi, after the place where he was found, the Iceman is kept frozen in a special museum in Bolzano, Italy.
Scientists have learned many things by examining the preserved body of the Iceman and the remains of clothing and tools that were found with him. Remains of his clothing show that he wore a fur cap, tunic, leggings, leather belt, and loincloth. The remains of a waterproof outer cloak of woven grass were also found with the body. The Iceman wore shoes made of goat hide stitched to bearskin soles. The shoes were stuffed with grass for warmth. Several pieces of shaped wood found with the body have been interpreted as the frame of a backpack that the man carried. The Iceman’s tools included a copper-headed ax, a flint dagger, a wooden bow, and several arrows. Two small birchbark containers were also found with the body and probably held charcoal embers for starting fire.
From the body, scientists were able to determine that the Iceman was about 40 years old when he died. Remains of food inside the body showed he had eaten meat and bread made from an early type of domesticated wheat some hours before his death. Pollen mixed in the food remains found inside the body indicated that he died in the spring or early summer. A small leather bag found with his body contained small tools and the remains of plant items that may have been used as tinder to start fires.
Scientists were surprised to discover several dark markings on the Iceman’s skin that appear to be tattoos. The marks occur on the Iceman’s back, legs, and ankles. The tattoos were found on parts of the body that are often used for acupuncture, a traditional Chinese form of pain relief that uses needles inserted into specific places on the body. The tattoos suggest that acupuncture, or a similar treatment, may have developed in different societies around the world and earlier than was previously thought.
Radiocarbon tests showed the Iceman died about 3300 B.C. Most experts originally believed he had lost his way, perhaps in a snowstorm, and froze to death while crossing the mountains where he was found. In 2001, however, scientists using X rays discovered what appears to be a stone arrowhead embedded in the Iceman’s chest. From the position of the arrowhead, scientists concluded that he had been shot from behind. They believe he probably died within hours from the wound. Some scientists think that he may have been fleeing over the mountains from enemies when he was killed.
