Ice Man Flashcards
How and when was ice man found?
Chance find in 1991
Who found the body?
By 2 german hikers, Erika and Helmut Simon, returning from expedition to Similaun Peak
Where was the body?
in the alps between Austria and Italy, sticking out of ice
initially thought to be recent hiker from preservation
removed roughly
how tall and age (form density of bone)?
159cm tall, 45-50 yrs old
When was he alive?
Chemical analysis on axe, proved it was copper. Therefore, from Copper Age, c. 4000 to 2200 BC
What did radiocarbon dating of bones reveal?
lived approx 5300 yrs ago
Where did Otzi come from? (Maybe not needed or correct)
Neolithic settlement in the Val Venosta, an alpine valley in Northern Italy. 20km from where found.
How was he preserved?
extreme cold and dry. buried in snow
What was the first theory for his death?
hypothermia, victim of weather.
possible fled from village after violence
Why was the first theory overturned?
flint arrowhead later found, hit main artery inducing a slow, painful demise.
most probable that he was chased then hit in mountains.
suffered exhaustion, shock, blood loss from cuts, wounds, bruises.
What are some theories put forwards about what he was?
spindler suggests he was a shepherd from neolithic settlement in the Val Venosta, an alpine valley in Northern Italy.
Others suggest he was an outcast, shaman or priest, and hunter.
Why did scientists at start not think it was a murder?
as place where body was found is very isolated and high up in the cold mountains. Conflict usually occurs in populated areas.
What was significant about the axe to date his time period?
by using typology, first believed he came from Bronze age because of design of axe. But chemical analysis of proved it was copper, therefore from copper age, c. 4000-2200 BC.
