Death of the Iceman

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Stoneshifter S
Stoneshifter May 27, 2008 20:52:51
Replying to Littlestone

Yeah, thanks again. That's enough TV for the next three months (back to the stone) - and I got to see Alexa Cheung on a trailer before it started. Now I know what she looks like! That carved stone must have been under cover for a long time otherwise freeze-thaw would have taken out the details.

W Wild Wooder
Wild Wooder May 28, 2008 05:04:45
Replying to Stoneshifter

Faascinating programme. I didn't find the sacrifice theory very strong though. I think I'm correct in saying that most records, remains and indications of ritual slaughter show 'up close and deadly' to be the general approach. Usually by knife, ligature or blow to the head, and if his weapons were left for his journey to the afterlife they would have been next to him and not a few feet away. Internal tribal strife seems quite likely.

L Littlestone
Littlestone May 28, 2008 08:15:57
Replying to Stoneshifter

That carved stone must have been under cover for a long time otherwise freeze-thaw would have taken out the details.
Good point SS, and I agree with W W that his death was more likely to be 'internal tribal strife' than sacrificial. Removing the arrow shaft and leaving Ötzi's possessions up on the mountain suggest whoever shot the arrow didn't want to be associated with the deed.

Always been fascinated by the tattoo markings on his body - they look a little like the hexagrams used in the I Ching, and it was mentioned in the prog that they correspond to Chinese acupuncture points. Interestingly, next week's second program in the series looks at Chinese mummies and what appear to be some bearing Caucasian characteristics.