The mummy was dated to the period of 3350 to 3100 BC. Thus Ötzi’s
remains were actually approximately 5,000 years old!
The Iceman was around 45 years old at the time of his death, making him one of the most senior members of his community most likely. He was of average height, 1.60m (5’3”) and slim build, 50kg (110 lbs.). His hair was dark and wavy, most likely worn to shoulder length, and accompanied by a possible beard. His eyes were brown. His genetics indicate he was of central European descent. Facial reconstructions have been undertaken to show the possible likeness of Ötzi the Iceman.
Ötzi or his family was most likely of high social status as indicated by the copper axe he carried. During this time period copper was just starting out as a new technology and thus was only within reach of the wealthy and high ranking.
His exact home location is unknown but isotopic analysis indicates that he spent his life south of the Alpine mountain chain. His occupation is also unknown, many theories have been suggested but none have proved satisfactory.
Ötzi also had some peculiar anatomy and physiology. He lacked the 12th pair of ribs (this is just unusual, it does not indicate any type of impairment). There was a large diastema (gap) between his two upper incisors and no wisdom teeth whatsoever. All the present teeth were very worn down, especially on the left side. This is expected during this time period as it indicated the heavy grinding used to eat food as well as the use of the mouth as a tool. Metal analysis showed much lower levels of lead than what is found in people today, yet at the same time he had extremely high levels of arsenic. This might indicate he spent much time in front of open flames used for the smelting of metal ores and copper extraction.
Ötzi had some health problems as would be expected for a man of his age in this time period. His joints and arteries showed deterioration. All the present teeth were very worn down, especially on the left side. This is expected during this time period as it indicated the heavy grinding used to eat food as well as the use of the mouth as a tool. Tooth decay was also present. There were some healed rib and nasal fractures. Some of his toes on his left foot may have been frostbitten. He had a whipworm infection in his gut. And lines on his fingernails showed evidence of an unknown chronic illness.
Ötzi also had unhealed rib fractures, a wound to the hand, an arrowhead embedded in his shoulder, trauma on the back of his head, and a body covered in over fifty tattoos consisting of lines and crosses. These wounds and tattoos have led to some fantastic claims and theories.
The Iceman was around 45 years old at the time of his death, making him one of the most senior members of his community most likely. He was of average height, 1.60m (5’3”) and slim build, 50kg (110 lbs.). His hair was dark and wavy, most likely worn to shoulder length, and accompanied by a possible beard. His eyes were brown. His genetics indicate he was of central European descent. Facial reconstructions have been undertaken to show the possible likeness of Ötzi the Iceman.
Ötzi or his family was most likely of high social status as indicated by the copper axe he carried. During this time period copper was just starting out as a new technology and thus was only within reach of the wealthy and high ranking.
His exact home location is unknown but isotopic analysis indicates that he spent his life south of the Alpine mountain chain. His occupation is also unknown, many theories have been suggested but none have proved satisfactory.
Ötzi also had some peculiar anatomy and physiology. He lacked the 12th pair of ribs (this is just unusual, it does not indicate any type of impairment). There was a large diastema (gap) between his two upper incisors and no wisdom teeth whatsoever. All the present teeth were very worn down, especially on the left side. This is expected during this time period as it indicated the heavy grinding used to eat food as well as the use of the mouth as a tool. Metal analysis showed much lower levels of lead than what is found in people today, yet at the same time he had extremely high levels of arsenic. This might indicate he spent much time in front of open flames used for the smelting of metal ores and copper extraction.
Ötzi had some health problems as would be expected for a man of his age in this time period. His joints and arteries showed deterioration. All the present teeth were very worn down, especially on the left side. This is expected during this time period as it indicated the heavy grinding used to eat food as well as the use of the mouth as a tool. Tooth decay was also present. There were some healed rib and nasal fractures. Some of his toes on his left foot may have been frostbitten. He had a whipworm infection in his gut. And lines on his fingernails showed evidence of an unknown chronic illness.
Ötzi also had unhealed rib fractures, a wound to the hand, an arrowhead embedded in his shoulder, trauma on the back of his head, and a body covered in over fifty tattoos consisting of lines and crosses. These wounds and tattoos have led to some fantastic claims and theories.