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Theories of Otzi's death
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Theory Of Otzi's Death
Background
Otzi is the name given to the frozen, mummified corpse found in the Otzal Alps. He is believed to have lived in the Copper Age, as his axe is made of pure copper. He was believed to have died roughly 53,000 years ago, and most likely lived in a civilization along with others at the time. His discovery site was at 3210 m above sea level on Tisenjoch di Tisa, below the Finial peak. The corpse lay in a 3 by 7 metre wide gully, protected by destructive forces of moving glaciers. The first scientific inspection was on 25 September, 1991, the quiver and its contents were recovered. String, hide remnants, birch bark and a piece of grass mat was unearthed later in October.
An artist's impression of Otzi from iceman.it
Background (cont.)
We believe that he was a goat shepherd because of the pollen found in his stomach. The pollen found was a type found in the spring on trees where shepherds commonly led their flocks. Moreover, it stated that it was common for shepherds to move their flocks to the pastures in the Alps, which reinforces this point. Unfortunately, there was one problem with this assumption, because Otzi's joints had very little deterioration, this meant that he most likely did not perform many physical tasks. As his joints had very little deterioration, we can conclude that he was most likely a leader through a miraculous deed performed - he killed a bear. This can be proven as he wore a bearskin hat, a symbol of status, accordingly to Mr Judd Stephenson, the Museum Guide at the South Tyrol Museum in Italy.
Adding On
Moreover, his copper axe must have made him a person of status as in Algund, Italy, a holy object was found in a nearby vineyard, dating from the Stone Age. It is a called a picture stone and it's a piece of rock with carvings on it. There is a carving of an axe, which is an exact match of the axe found with Otzi's body.
Hence, we believe that he was a goat shepherd, who gained status and became a leader through killing a bear.
Adding on
Theory
Otzi may have died from hypothermia after he experienced a fatal blow to the back of his head. An arrow pierced his left shoulder, possibly restricting his movement and therefore making him an easier target to the offenders. We believe it could have been part of a planned assassination - perhaps Otzi had, at one point, been a gatherer, and after killing a bear - as he was wearing a well-stitched bear fur cap - became the leader of the civilization. This may have been a primarily political attempt to assume control over the village, and, as he seems undisturbed, we can conclude that no one found his body.
Theory
Evidence- Conflict
Theory Continued
It is clear that he fought in some kind of struggle before he died - DNA samples from 4 individuals were found on his clothing and weaponry. Perhaps he was fighting against 4 assassins, and they all survived, with wounds inflicted by Otzi.
Eventually, he escaped from the assassins and perhaps fell in some water. This may have lead to hypothermia on his part, which was a factor of him removing his clothes. This is due to the fact that one of the symptoms of hypothermia is a feeling of intense warmth before death. Otzi must have felt extremely warm and removed some of his belongings and clothing, which supports the remnants of belongings found around him.
Explain/Evidence
Explain/evidence
Otzi was found in rocky landscape, possibly meaning that the hole on the back of his head might have been from the boulders, or from a bird at a later point in time. He wore animal skin, sewed fur hats & carried a bow, hinting that he possibly had some leadership role that lead to him possessing multiple rare weapons & clothes.
Conclusion
Our theory was that Otzi was a goatherd who killed a bear, proven by his bearskin hat. After he performed this greatly impressive deed, he became the leader of the small village he lived in. This is proven through items that he carried - such as the mushrooms and axe, both of which are renowned for connections to higher-ranking individuals as well as the tattoos on his body, which may have held significance at the time.
He definitely fought in a conflict due to his wounds as he suffered an artety- piercing wound, and an undigested meal proven that he was ambushed again. Moreover, a study has found clotted blood cells, suggesting that he suffered bruising in his brain shortly before his demise.
He most probably died of hypothermia as he was found with his belongings beside him. As a symptom of hypothermia is sudden heat, he may have removed his clothing due to sudden warmth.