Archaeologists stunned by perfectly preserved ‘ice mummy’ found in European mountains

When two hikers set out to explore a relatively unknown side of Europe they returned with much more than they bargained for.

Ötzi the ice mummy laying on the snowy mountain where he was found (Image: Getty)

Two German hikers, Erika and Helmut Simon, could never have imagined what they would stumble upon setting out on their hike in the Ötztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. What appeared to be a simple body protruding from the glacier turned out to be the remarkably well-preserved remains of a man who lived over 5,000 years ago.

Their discovery would soon be known worldwide as Ötzi the Iceman and would revolutionise the understanding of prehistoric life in Europe. Ötzi is believed to have lived around 3,300 BCE, during the Copper Age, a time when humans were transitioning from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age. He was approximately 45 years old when he died, and his body is considered one of the oldest and most complete naturally mummified human remains ever discovered.

He had lived over 5,000 years ago during Europe’s ‘Copper Age’ (Image: Getty)

His preservation was a result of the harsh, freezing conditions of the Alpine glacier, which allowed for the body to remain almost perfectly intact.

When found, in September 1991, Ötzi’s skin, hair, and clothing were still in a remarkably preserved state, offering an invaluable snapshot of life over 5,000 years ago.

The discovery was made at an elevation of 3,210 meters (10,530 feet), in a region known as the “Ötzi Pass,” near the Similaun Glacier. Initially, the find was believed to be a modern-day accident victim, but upon closer examination, researchers soon realised that the mummy belonged to a much earlier period.

Radiocarbon dating confirmed that Ötzi lived during the late Neolithic period, and he likely died after suffering from injuries, possibly related to an arrow wound. Forensic studies also revealed that he was suffering from various ailments, such as arthritis and Lyme disease, further shedding light on the health conditions faced by ancient humans.

Ötzi’s discovery was monumental in the field of archaeology. The study of his well-preserved body, clothing, tools, and even the remnants of his last meal, has provided a wealth of information about prehistoric life in Europe.

For instance, his tools included a copper axe, an essential implement of the time, revealing the early use of metal in Europe. His clothing, made from leather, plant fibres, and animal pelts, showed the sophisticated techniques used to survive in such a harsh environment.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Ötzi’s discovery is the mysterious circumstances of his death, as researchers believe that he may have been part of a larger conflict or even a tribal rivalry, as the arrowhead found lodged in his shoulder suggested that he was shot by someone else.

A reconstruction statue depicting how scientists believe Ötzi may have looked like (Image: Getty)

He may have bled out over several days before succumbing to his wounds, and forensic analysis suggested that he spent the final days of his life in the mountainous region, possibly trying to escape or evade his attackers.

The significance of Ötzi’s discovery cannot be overstated. The findings have enriched our understanding of prehistoric Europe, particularly the development of early human societies in the Alps.

The extensive research conducted on his remains has contributed to numerous breakthroughs in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, and forensic science.

Ötzi’s case has also helped advance the study of ancient human diseases, as scientists were able to extract ancient DNA and evidence of pathogens like Lyme disease from his body, offering clues about the diseases that affected early humans.

Today, Ötzi the Iceman resides in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy, where his preserved remains are displayed to the public.