Otzi The Iceman Research Paper

Scientific and archaeological investigations of human remains have monumentally shaped our knowledge of the ancient past. These investigations provide valuable insights into the lives, practices, and cultures of ancient civilizations. One important discovery that has significantly impacted our knowledge of the past is Otzi the Iceman. The preservation and study of Otzi the Iceman has unlocked a new view into the Neolithic Age, making him one of the world's oldest preserved wet mummies ever. Through the examination of Otzi’s remains, we can obtain thorough information about the ancient civilization he belonged to and many aspects such as religious ceremonies, everyday life, cultural practices, and possibly even crime and punishment. Otzi’s 5,000

On September 19, 1999, Otzi the Iceman was discovered by a German couple named Erika and Helmut Simon as they were hiking on the Similaun Glacier in the Otztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. At an altitude of 3,210 m above sea level, Otzi was discovered lying face down in a rough pit surrounded by glacial ice. The body was remarkably intact, with his skin, hair, clothing and even some internal organs preserved due to the freezing temperatures and lack of oxygen in the glacier. Initially, Erika and Helmut Simon thought they had found a hiker who had recently died, however, upon closer inspection by archaeologists, it was revealed that Otzi was an ancient individual who had been exceptionally well preserved by the ice. The evidence gathered from Otzi’s body and belongings has provided valuable insights into his life and death. Through radiocarbon dating and analysis of his clothing and equipment, researchers have determined that Otzi’s age was around 5,300 years old, dating back to approximately 3300 BCE during the Bronze Age. The use of CT scans and microscopic analysis of Otzi’s bones revealed that he suffered from various health issues, including arthritis and dental problems. The study of Otzi’s DNA also offered insights into his diet and lifestyle. By analyzing the isotopic composition of Otzi’s teeth and bones, researchers have been able to determine what he ate and where he lived. This information from his DNA has helped reconstruct Otzi’s last days and the environmental conditions he experienced. Forensic analysis of Otzi’s body has also shown the circumstances surrounding his death. At first, the archaeologist’s assumption was that he died from hyperthermia; however, it is now believed that he died violently from an arrow wound to his