September 19, 1991 two hikers in the Alps

September 19, 1991 two hikers in the Alps

• September 19, 1991 two hikers in the Alps

• Border of Austria and Italy

• Wander off of the traditional path….

Saw a small head and shoulders sticking out of the ice

• Saw a small head and shoulders sticking out of the ice

• At first they think it is a doll

• But…they see a small hole in the back of the head – so they know it is human

They report the body to the Italian police

• They report the body to the Italian police

• Italian police think it’s a recent death.

• Start jackhammering the ice around the body to free it. This destroys much of the clothing on the iceman.

• Other people try freeing it with poles and axes; causing more damage to the clothing.

Dr. Henn is flown in ~ inspects the body

• Dr. Henn is flown in ~ inspects the body

• The skin is dry & yellow ~ like a mummy. It’s been preserved in the ice.

• Glaciers in the Alps melt & reveal the body

• Shipped to museum to be studied

Body named Otzi (UTT-zee) because he died near a valley named Otzal/Ytei.

• Body named Otzi (UTT-zee) because he died near a valley named Otzal/Ytei.

• Dr. Spindler arrived to examine Otzi

• Determines the body was 4,000 years old

• The oldest mummy ever found!

Age ~ 45 (very old for people of that time)

• Age ~ 45 (very old for people of that time)

• Height ~ 5’2”

• Although short, very strong

• Brown curly hair ~ Recently got a haircut.

• echostains.files.wordpress.com/.../mann_v1.jpg

Tattoos on body ~ ankle, lower back, kneecap ~ not for decoration.

• Tattoos on body ~ ankle, lower back, kneecap ~ not for decoration.

• Teeth ~ showed wear ~ ate grains/breads

• Last Meal: wheat bread, green herbs or veggies, and meat were found in his colon.

Leather pants

• Leather pants

• Jacket (animal hides)

• Cape (braided grass)

• Fur cap

• Soft shoes stuffed with hay for warmth

• Small white disk (necklace?)

Pay attention to different objects – were they used for work, offense, defense?

• Pay attention to different objects – were they used for work, offense, defense?

• Snacks? Illness?

The question that haunts archeologists…

• The question that haunts archeologists…

• Use your skills to come up with reasons that support one of the theories…

• Robbery
• Died in Battle
• Assassination
• Ritual Sacrifice

You will need to personally decide how you think Otzi died.

• You will need to personally decide how you think Otzi died.

• You will pick 3 primary sources to back up your conclusion.

• You will write up your three pieces of “proof” in the following format:

• Each proof needs…

• 1. An answer statement, which includes a mention of a primary source that is being used for evidence.

• 2. A detailed description of the primary source

• 3 – 4. Explanation of how/why this would then prove the selected cause of death

• *Your final write-up can be turned in on the sheet provided by your World History teacher or you can type up your final pieces of proof (preferred)

• Example of a final proof:

• Cause of Death for Otzi: hypothermia.

• One primary source that proves Otzi died of hypothermia is the position of Otzi’s body. Otzi was found with his head resting on his arm like he fell asleep. Otzi could have been hiking through the treacherous terrain of the Alps, gotten sleepy, and laid down to rest. His lack of his movement while sleeping, compounded with the icy temperatures, could have caused Otzi to freeze to death.