Identity of 'Ötzi' Discovered; The Ice Man Was Descended from Modern Turkish Farmers

Ötzi, the Ice Man, considered the most famous mummy in Europe, has found a new identity. Decades after the discovery of this mummy in the Italian Alps, scientists analyzed his DNA and found that he descended from modern Turkish farmers. Scientists say Ötzi likely came from a relatively isolated group with little connection to other Europeans, and his ancestors are from the Anatolia region. Findings from a study published in the journal 'Cell Genomics' indicate that Ötzi's appearance is also different from previous assumptions, with a balder head and darker skin than initially thought. Ötzi, who lived over 5,000 years ago, was killed by an arrow to his back and froze in the cold. Until 1991, his body was preserved as a 'natural mummy,' but two climbers found him along with several of his clothes and belongings, including a copper axe, a bow, and a bear-skin hat. Since then, many researchers have been eager to discover more aspects of the life of this mummy, which is displayed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy. The draft genome of Ötzi was published in 2012, but with advancements in ancient DNA analysis since then, scientists decided to take another look at the Ice Man's genes. They used DNA taken from Ötzi's pelvic bone for this purpose. Andreas Keller from Saarland University in Germany says the updated genome provides a deeper understanding of the life of this mummy. Albert Zink, head of the Institute for Mummy Studies at the 'EURAC' Research Institute in Italy, states that the new genome shows Ötzi's appearance at the time of his death, when he was about 45 years old, was very similar to modern mummies, meaning he had dark skin and not much hair. Scientists previously thought that the Ice Man had lighter skin and a fuller body, but his mummified body has changed over time. Researchers also say his genome indicates he was predisposed to obesity and diabetes.