Last Hours of the Iceman

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Last Hours of the Iceman
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• Thesis

Scientists have used ever more sophisticated
tools and intellectual cunning to reconstruct the
life and times of the Iceman, the oldest intact
memb er of the human family.
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• I. Use of technology gives new insight to life
• A. Habitat
• 1. Isotopes in teeth
• a. grew up in Valle Isarco
• 2. Isotopes in bones
• a. lived in Val Senales and Val Venosta
• 3. Ingested mica
• a. Val Venosta
• 4. Pollen indicates recent travels, season
• B. Health
• 1. Several serious illnesses
• a. fingernails
• 2. Intestinal parasites
• C. Diet
• 1. Meat
• 2. Early cultivated grains, maybe even bread

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• II. Use of technology gives new insight to death
• A. X-rays
• 1. rib fractures were old injury
• 2. accidental discovery of stone arrow head
  beneath shoulder blade
• B. CT scan
• 1. arrow had ripped open major artery
• 2. bled to death quickly
• C. Conclusion based on forensic evidence
• 1. shot from behind
• 2. attacker a skilled hunter
• 3. Arrow shaft pulled out
• D. Body quickly buried beneath ice
• 1. ravine where he died protected from glacier
  

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• III. Speculation based on forensic evidence
• A. Crime Scene
• 1. arrow shaft removed, no where to be found
• 2. body undespoiled
• a. loot would have been incriminating
• 3. Otzi splattered with others blood
• a. indicates recent hand-to-hand battle
• b. indicates multiple attackers
• c. unconfirmed by scientists
• d. hand wound was healing
• i. maybe attack came earlier
• 4. Political speculation
• a. Otzi victim of power grab?

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• Authors Purpose

To demonstrate how technology can be used to
reconstruct and illuminate an ancient crime scene.