1. What information has been discovered regarding his diet and lifestyle?
Response
Based upon information obtained from several sources, it seems that the Ötzi’s diet consisted of meat such as venison (deer meat), ibex (wild goat meat), cooked grains, fruit, and other plants. Ötzi, however, did not appear to live a relatively healthy lifestyle. This becomes apparent by way of evidence indicating the presence of whipworms that were located within his digestive system. Ötzi’s teeth also showed evidence of particularly poor dental hygiene due to his severely corroded dentition. His bones and joints also showed signs of significant wear and his twelfth pair of ribs was missing as well. Ötzi also suffered from several broken body parts throughout the course of his life, such as his bones, ribs, and nose and also suffered from a condition known as osteochondrosis. His DNA also showed that he was also predisposed to cardiovascular disease.
2. Did Otzi have tattoos?? If so, how many and what might they represent culturally?
Response…show more content… Researchers have found evidence of these tattoos by using various wavelengths of light to examine the Ötzi’s skin and found 61of then in total. The ones found thus far all have shapes such as crosses and lines. It is not certain whether or not these tattoos have any specific cultural significance, but some experts speculate that they might have been as a result of an ancient form of acupuncture. In an article published on the website www.Smithsonianmag.com, writer Laura Clark points out that “It is theorized that one newly discovered tattoo on Ötzi’s ribcage, far from any joints, might have been applied as a form of treatment for chest pain.” It, therefore, seems that Ötzi’s tattoos were due to treatment that he had received for medical
