Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Meet the Iceman

This is the reconstructed face of the 5,000 year-old Iceman found in the Alps ten years ago. He was only 45 or so when he was murdered, but that was pretty old for his time. He lived a hard life and they tried to depict that in his face. They learned from his DNA that he had brown eyes and brown hair and his general geographic origins.

I don't know why I find this story so fascinating but I have saved every article and documentary on the subject.
Since my ancestors came from Northern Europe, I suppose it's possible that I might be related to him but I doubt it.

Maybe, it's just the pleasure of having a delicious mystery solved. I love how Science always comes up with the answers eventually.

6 comments:

Joanne Noragon said...

My mother-in-law told my daughters they were "Bohunk", which offended them. I think it's romantic--Hungarian princes--a lot of Europe to fantasize over. Even Bohemia. Great little chunks of history...

The Owl Wood said...

I'm with you - history isn't about politics and power and nonsense, it's about real people who had lives that were real and "everyday" to them. This guy was warm, cold, hopefully sometimes comfortable, hungry, fed - what were his hopes and dreams? Was he being chased, was he in fear of his life or was it a surprise attack? It's great to make him live in our present, his long-distant future. History seemed so dry at school, it's clicked into place since!

Moving with Mitchell said...

I also find this fascinating. I hadn't seen this image; thanks so much for sharing it.

Elaine said...

That is amazing. I had heard about it but hadn't seen his face, it really brings the past into focus. Thank you.

Teresa Evangeline said...

I find these stories immensely interesting. I'm glad to see you've posted on this. It's a wonderful mystery of life.

Daughter Number Three said...

It's Otzi! I didn't see this either, so thanks for posting it.