/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/de/52/de526958-55af-4faf-8b79-5b58b958e09a/iceman_web.jpg "Famed 5,300-Year-Old Alps Iceman Was a Balding Middle-Aged Man With Dark Skin and Eyes | Science")
The Tyrolean Iceman, also known as Ötzi, is an ancient mummy who has captivated the world with his intriguing story. Found in the Alps with an arrow in his back, Ötzi has become a popular attraction, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. While much has been learned about Ötzi through years of research, a recent genetic study has shed even more light on his appearance and ancestry.
Using advanced techniques and comparative data, scientists have sequenced Ötzi’s genome and produced a higher-quality result than ever before. The study, published in Cell Genomics, reveals that Ötzi had dark eyes and a darker skin pigmentation than modern inhabitants of Greece or Sicily. Contrary to previous depictions, it also appears that he suffered from a common affliction for men—he was going bald.
The study also suggests that Ötzi’s ancestral lineage can be traced back to Anatolia, which is now part of Turkey. Comparisons with other ancient individuals’ DNA indicate that Ötzi is primarily descended from Anatolian agriculturalists who introduced farming to Europe approximately 9,000 years ago. His genes show little mixing with the hunter-gatherer populations already in Europe at the time, suggesting that his community was relatively small and isolated in the Alpine region.
The 2012 effort to sequence Ötzi’s genome was a significant achievement, but advancements in technology have allowed for a higher-quality result in this study. It is a testament to the progress made in the field of population genetics.
Ötzi was discovered in 1991 by German hikers in the Tyrolean Alps. His remarkably preserved remains, along with the arrow lodged in his back, have fascinated researchers for years. Originally thought to be a much more recent body, it is now believed that Ötzi was exposed to the elements at various times throughout history. As Europe’s glaciers melt, it is possible that similar discoveries will be made.
Ötzi’s genes provide insight into the migrations that populated Europe. Farmers from Anatolia migrated across the Mediterranean, through the Balkans, and into Central Europe, bringing agriculture with them. These early Neolithic farmers eventually mixed with local hunter-gatherers, resulting in the DNA seen in modern Europeans. Ötzi’s ancestry is predominantly Anatolian farmer, making up over 90% of his genome.
The isolated environment of the Alps, with its natural barriers, explains why Ötzi’s population had limited interaction with other groups. The hunter-gatherer influence in his genome only appears shortly before his time, indicating that hunter-gatherer populations likely survived south of the Alps until around 5000 or 4000 B.C.E.
Contrary to previous DNA studies, Ötzi does not have any ancestry from herding peoples in the Russian Steppe. Previous studies were likely contaminated with modern DNA, which still retains that ancestral link.
Ötzi’s preserved remains show evidence of a tough life, with broken bones, cavities, and intestinal parasites. His genes also reveal a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes, although these conditions never developed due to his active lifestyle and diet.
In addition to his medical history, Ötzi provides a glimpse into the past through his tattoos and clothing. He is a unique representative of his time, shedding light on the daily lives of people from 5,000 years ago.
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
