Iceman goeth

The custody battle began within weeks of his discovery by Helmut and Erika Simon, September 19,1991. While hiking in the Otztal Alps near the border between Austria and Italy, they discovered what they thought was the body of another hiker. After he was roughly hauled off the ice and taken to Austria, it was discovered that "Otzi" was the oldest natural mummy and had been in fact a short distance within the Italian border.

Otzi is the well preserved body of an approximately 5' 3", 45 year old neolithic man who lived over 5,000 years ago. He was found intact and for the first time, scientists had the opportunity to examine the finest of neolithic clothing that existed in 3300 BC. After custody arrangements were made for him, the world wide community of scientists have began their studies of what he ate, how he dressed, the methods and textiles used to create his clothes and recently, how he died.

It was originally thought that he had collapsed and died fairly peacefully, possibly on a hunting trip or on a trading venture. Modern forensic science though has revealed more of what they believe is the truth. DNA analysis has revealed traces of blood from four people on his knife, coat and the arrowhead that was discovered lodged in one shoulder. The shaft from the arrow had been removed and it is speculated that a companion removed it and carried him to his final resting spot. He also had cuts and bruises on his hands, wrists and chest.

It is believed now that he and one or two companions engaged in a skirmish with a rival group and that is where he was wounded. The arrow that ripped through his back hit an artery underneath the clavicle bone and caused him to bleed to death fairly rapidly.

With an agreement finally in place so that research may be continued, extreme Austrian nationalist groups threatening bomb attacks to gain his return and a resting spot in the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology, Otzi continues to unlock the mysteries of our past on this planet. His death is one very cold case that was solved.