The Iceman

The Iceman Why was a Stone Age traveler in Europe’s highest mountains? The Iceman’s dagger and the scabbard, or case, he carried it in When did he live? about 5,300 years ago Where did he live? The frozen body of the Iceman was discovered in the snowy Ötztal Alps of Italy in 1991. Scientists nicknamed him Ötzi after this location. What did he do? That question has been debated ever since Ötzi’s body was found. Apparently, he was traveling. At first scientists thought he had frozen to death in a storm. But an arrowhead found in his shoulder suggests that his death was not so peaceful. After he died, his body was covered by glaciers and preserved for thousands of years. Why is he important? Ötzi is the oldest mummified human ever found in such good condition. His body, clothing, and tools were extremely well preserved, telling us a lot about life during the Stone Ages. His outfit was made of three types of animal skin stitched together. He wore leather shoes padded with grass, a grass cape, a fur hat, and a sort of backpack. He carried an ax with a copper blade as well as a bow and arrows. Drawing Conclusions Why do you think the Iceman was in the Alps?

Scientists examine the Iceman’s body in 1991, before it was removed from the glacier.