Otzi is one of several names for the Neolithic herder who was lost in the Alps about 5,000 years ago. His extremely well-preserved body was discovered melting out of an iceberg in 1991. During the first decade of the 21st century, several intensive research studies were published, describing everything from the style of his clothing to the contents of his stomach to the tattoos on his back to the likely cause of his death.
Why Nominate Otzi?
Although the ethics of the level of intensity of the investigations into Otzi's human remains have raised some eyebrows, there is no doubt about it, the preservation of his body and tool kit has given us all a window into what life was really like, living in the Alps during the Neolithic. Clothes, food, health conditions, even social customs have been revealed by the detailed investigations into Otzi's remains.
Additional Reading
- Otzi the Iceman, summary of the research to date
- Otzi the Iceman, a compilation of detailed stories concerning the recent findings
