Oetzi the Neolithic iceman was killed by an arrow, say scientists
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In one of the world's most belated autopsies, forensic scientists have found that Oetzi, the Neolithic iceman, was killed by an enemy in the Italian Alps five thousand years ago.
In one of the world's most belated autopsies, forensic scientists have found that Oetzi, the Neolithic iceman, was killed by an enemy in the Italian Alps five thousand years ago.
Experts studying the remarkably preserved mummy had believed he died of cold or dehydration. But sophisticated X-rays have revealed he was killed by an arrow that pierced his shoulder.
"The image of the head of the arrow was taken with a CAT scan. Next to the left shoulder ... one can see a 2cm-wide hole that ... could be the entry point," said Dr Paul Gostner, a radiologist on theteam that is piecing togetherOetzi'slife.
The head of an arrow, 21mm long and 17mm wide, was found beneath Oetzi's left shoulder.
Dr Eduard Egarter-Vigl, who is responsible for the conservation of the mummy, said: "The archer-enemy of Oetzi must have been positioned lower than him ... and the place where the arrow struck created a haemorrhage or possibly paralysed an artery.
"The story of Oetzi will have to be ... rewritten and many of the questions until now unanswered will be settled."
Carbon-dating analysis indicates that the iceman, who was discovered by German tourists in 1991, died between 3350 and 3100BC, at the start of the Copper Age.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments