Otzi Research Paper

In September of 1991 a 5,300 year old mummy was found on the Ötztal Alps of the Austrian and Italian border. The evidence found on Otzi's body has lead to the belief that he had been trespassing on tribal land of another clan when he was attacked and shot in the back. His personal belongings, body, and Dna has lead to crucial evidence about his culture and the mystery of his death.
Researcher Dr. Eduard Egarter Vigl, Head of Conservation of the Iceman, and his team extensively researched the body. An arrowhead lodged in his back, hitting a main artery with the arrow shaft missing had been the cause of death. The shot was taken by a skilled archer of the clan. Scientists simulated the shot and found the shooter used a 24” arrow and was 30 yards away with a 50 pound draw weight. There was evidence of a physical altercation that lead to the wounds on his body. Unidentified blood on Otzi’s clothing confirmed this. Physical interaction was made to hold the iceman as the …show more content…
As Otzi reached his final moments of life he carried a copper axe, unfinished box and arrows, flint dagger, and an assortment of herbs. The flint dagger was found clutched tightly in his hand. The copper axe signified great power and status meaning Otzi was an important man of his time.The unfinished bow and arrows proved Otzi was not expecting the attack. He had been hunting or simply taking a stroll. The pollen in his lungs suggests he had been going up and down the mountain. As if he was hunting down an animal or left something and went back to retrieve it. The herbs showed that in case of an emergency he could heal himself. It would also mean he had known he had a long journey ahead and wouldn’t be able to head home if an emergency were to occur. In Otzi’s stomach they found a mix of meats and different vegetables meaning he lived in a time where humans were just beginning to