2.3 Iceman of the Alps (pt.2) pp. 32-39

Objectives: Describe how the Iceman was an expert at interacting with the environment. Explain how scientists have determined the Iceman’s age.

A. Equipped for Survival (p. 35) Found near the Iceman were all sorts of survival gear. Knife-blades, rope, hunting arrows, and even a small net (for catching birds) were found.

B. A Fire-Starter and Medicine Chest (p. 35) A handful of black fungus contained tiny crystals of sulfur and iron (used in today’s matches). Archaeologists conclude that this was a kind of fire-starter. A birch fungus bead contained an ingredient that helps fight disease. This may have been the Iceman’s medicine chest.

C. Examining the Evidence (p. 35) The Iceman was moved from the Alps to a special refrigerated room. He was determined to be about 5 feet 2. From the amount of wear on his teeth, he was judged to be between 35 and 40 years old when he died. He had wavy dark brown hair and a beard.

D. Injuries (p. 35) X Rays revealed that the Iceman had broken ribs on his right side. He was found lying on his left side. Scientists wonder if he could have been injured in a fall. Glacier ice would mummify, imprison, and preserve him for 5,000 years.

E. Who was the Iceman? (p. 36) He was an expert at interacting with the environment. 17 different kinds of trees and 8 different kinds of animals were used to make his belongings. He was able to shape copper into tools. Traces of grain show that he had contact with farmers.

F. The Mystery Remains (p. 36) Scientists are still puzzled about why he was so high up in the Alps. They suggest that he may have been a shepherd. The Iceman’s misfortune has proven to be history’s great gain.

G. Carbon-Dating Tests (p. 37) All living things contain carbon. When they die, a special type of carbon called carbon-14 begins to break down at a known rate. By measuring the amount of carbon-14 that has broken down in a sample, scientists can determine its age. Four independent tests concluded that the Iceman was between 5,000 and 5,300 years old.

Peat Bog Mummies of Northern Europe

Review How old was the Iceman when he died? How might the Iceman have used many of the items discovered near his body? How do we know that he was an expert at interacting with the environment? What kind of tests were performed on him to determined his age?