Oetzi the Ice Man

March 6, 2003 5:58 AM

"Over 5000 years ago, a man climbed up to the icy heights of the Schnalstal glacier and died.He was found by accident in 1991, with his clothes and equipment, mummified and frozen: an archaeological sensation and a unique snapshot of a Copper Age man. For several years highly specialised research teams examined the mummy and the articles found with it. They have been on exhibit since March 1998 at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology." Apparently he suffered of arthritis and heart disease.
via baloney.com
posted by talos (5 comments total)

I seem to recall the local constabulary both Austrian and Italian arguing as to which side of the border the "body" was found.Apparently trying to avoid the associated paperwork.
posted by johnny7 at 6:28 AM on March 6, 2003

What else is notiable is the polypore mushrooms found on him. Birch polypore, as I remeber reading. The birch helps with blood clotting (when applied to a wound it clots quickly) and the polypore family includes the Reishi Mushroom. Use of Reishi mushrooms have shown raised interlukon and interfeiron levels in the body, plus other effects.
posted by rough ashlar at 8:37 AM on March 6, 2003

Fascinating link.
posted by websavvy at 9:34 AM on March 6, 2003

It should also be mentioned that, pernicious rumors to the contrary notwithstanding, Otzi was not the first known homosexual. That little story actually started as an April Fool's joke shortly after he was discovered.
posted by yhbc at 9:52 AM on March 6, 2003

"The Iceman died under what would be considered unusual circumstances today -- he was shot by an arrow."

So is there a murder investigation underway?
posted by LowDog at 10:00 AM on March 6, 2003