A model of Otzi.
June 18, 2018
If you do nothing else in Bolzano, you must visit the South Tirol Museum of Archaeology. This is the final resting place of the glacier mummy, Otzi, the Ice Man. The museum walks you through the unbelievable story of how his frozen body was discovered high in the Otztal Valley Alps by some hikers in 1991. Originally he was thought to be that of a lost hiker, but, after discovering his pre-Bronze Age hatchet, they realized he was 5300 years old. Otzi was almost perfectly preserved along with some clothing and personal effects. You can see his clothing pieces and gear on display and also view Otzi’s still frozen corpse through a window of a cold cell that simulates glacier conditions.
Aside from the whole discovery, I found it fascinating how scientists could determine that Otzi had common medical complaints such as mild osteoarthritis, was lactose intolerant, his right knee was almost worn down and the lateral meniscus was damaged. He had bad teeth, an intestinal parasite, atherosclerosis in the blood vessels of his necks and at the base of his skull. His fingernails have transverse ridges indicating his immune system was under stress before he died and possibly he had a chronic disease, not yet identified. The scientists could also determine there were grains and goat meat in his stomach at the time of death. Otzi was approximately 45 years old when he died. It is believed Otzi was murdered due to the fresh arrow wound in his shoulder and a brain trauma from an impact injury to the head. But it still is not clear if he was hit on the head or he fell.
If you are interested in learning more about Otzi, his clothing or gear, there are many sources online, along with pictures of his body. Photos of the body were not allowed at the museum.
Thanks for reading!!
Jeannie's Travel Addiction 