Chapter 1: The Discovery of Ötzi

In the quest for the perfect murder, even ancient humans understood the necessity of concealing the body. Nature inherently assists in this process; bacteria commence cell breakdown within hours of death. As tissues decay, they release a foul odor due to the combination of methane and hydrogen sulfide. While this scent is repugnant to humans, it attracts maggots, which can consume up to 60% of a corpse in just one week, unless scavengers intervene. Generally, a body will become a skeleton within several decades.

Given the natural decomposition process, one might wonder: could a corpse from thousands of years ago remain intact, with its skin, teeth, and even eyeballs preserved? In the case of Ötzi, the answer is a resounding yes.

On September 19, 1991, two hikers traversed the Ötztal Alps when they strayed from their usual route, coming upon a gully filled with melted ice. They spotted what they initially thought was trash on a rock. Intrigued, they ventured into the icy slush for a closer inspection, only to discover a torso partially submerged in the water.

The corpse's arm rested under its neck, fingers curled as if once grasping an object. Nearby lay a rolled piece of birch bark secured with leather laces, suggesting that this body had been there for quite some time. The skin appeared leathery and dry, resembling jerky, while a circular wound on the back of the head hinted at a violent end.

Upon receiving news of the find, mountain ranger Markus Pirpamer and gendarme Anton Koler arrived to investigate what they presumed to be a tragic hiking accident. Koler soon noticed an object glimmering in the sunlight among the rocks: an ancient-looking ax, its trapezoidal blade affixed to a forked shaft with weathered leather strips.

With a small electric jackhammer and ski pole, the two men carefully extracted the body from its icy resting place. As they worked, fragments of dried flesh surfaced, a grim reminder of the past. Once freed, they encased the corpse in a pine coffin, forcing its frozen limbs down—a decision that would later warrant regret among scientists.

The discovery of Ötzi sparked intense interest among reporters and researchers, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. X-ray examinations revealed an arrow embedded in his left shoulder and several bruises, indicating a fierce struggle before his demise. Further scans unveiled darker areas within his brain, suggesting a fracture.

The presence of the copper ax, a symbol of status during the Stone Age, only added to the intrigue. If Ötzi had been attacked, why was his prized possession left behind? Perhaps the assailant wished to avoid being implicated in the murder.

But was Ötzi simply a fabrication? Many skeptics initially doubted the authenticity of the mummy. Yet, nature had worked its magic in preserving Ötzi's remains, encased in a trench formed by rocks and snow that shielded him from the elements.

Ötzi's belongings further validated his existence: two finished arrows, several unfinished shafts, and a first aid kit containing birch polypore fungus, an ancient remedy resembling modern antibiotics. This fungus could have been used to treat intestinal issues.

Additionally, Ötzi carried a birch container for embers, essential for starting fires to cook food and ward off predators. However, the true test of Ötzi's authenticity lay in radiocarbon dating.

Scientists used radiocarbon dating to determine Ötzi's age, confirming he lived during the 4th millennium B.C., marking him as one of the oldest mummies ever discovered.

Chapter 2: Insights from DNA Analysis

The first video explores the exact location where Ötzi the Iceman was found, shedding light on the conditions that preserved him for millennia.

DNA analysis revealed that Ötzi lived to about 45 years of age and provided a wealth of information about his lifestyle:

• He had brown eyes and stood 5 feet 2 inches tall.
• His teeth exhibited minimal decay, likely due to a sugar-free diet.
• His arteries showed signs of plaque buildup, indicating a meat-heavy diet.
• He endured several healed rib fractures.
• Ötzi's body bore peculiar tattoos, thought to be part of a pain relief treatment.
• He suffered from whipworm, a painful intestinal parasite.
• His last meal consisted of Ibex and Einkorn, an early grain.
• Ötzi was lactose intolerant, lacking a genetic mutation for milk digestion.
• His penis was missing, possibly due to castration or loss during recovery.
• He had type O blood, the most common blood type today.
• His hands were soft, suggesting he was not a laborer, while his legs were muscular from walking.
• He wore size 5 shoes, with one still on his body.
• Frostbite had affected his left toe six months before his death.

Who was responsible for Ötzi's violent death? Evidence suggests he engaged in close combat, with the woun