Ötzi the Iceman is a prehistoric mummy that was found on and named for the Ötzal Alps that sit on the border between Austria and Italy. The naturally preserved remains are the oldest mummy ever found and have given researchers unprecedented insight into the lives of prehistoric humans. By analyzing the genome of the man, scientists have uncovered details that allow present-day humans to relate to his story.
Ötzi the Iceman’s Appearance
A recent genetic study on the over 5,000-year-old mummy looked at over 100 small areas in his genome that are known to be related to skin color. It found that Ötzi likely had dark skin which is a trait that can still be seen on the mummy today. However, researchers previously believed that the man had lighter-colored skin while alive and that his darker appearance was due to the effects of the natural mummification process. Based on his genetic makeup, the study also found that Ötzi probably had male-pattern baldness.
His Ancestry
A previous study into Ötzi’s ancestry revealed that he had steppe-ancestry, meaning that his ancestors were from Eastern Europe and Western Asia. This conflicts with the information from the most recent research that shows Ötzi’s ancestry as being Anatolian. Those of Anatolian descent have ancestors from an area that contains much of modern-day Turkey. Ötzi’s apparent lack of European hunter-gather ancestry suggests that his Anatolian ancestors lived in relative isolation. It has since been theorized that the results of the earlier study were affected by DNA contamination.
His Illnesses
Ötzi the Iceman also carried versions of genes that increased his risk of both type 2 diabetes and several obesity-related symptoms. It is not yet clear whether he suffered from these ailments.
