Iceman hypotheses study guide

Here are some bits of evidence for the various hypotheses about the Iceman. For the test, you should be able to match the evidence with the hypothesis. You will not need to be able to name all the evidence from memory.

Austrian hiker

            Found in the mountains by Austrian hikers

            His body did not seem more than a few years old

Drowned

            Wrinkled skin

            Missing epidermis

            Muscle decay

Shepherd

            Arrow head in back

            Entry wound hadn’t healed

            Copper ax

            Found with dagger in his hand

            Area is used by shepherds today

Religious leader or sacrifice

            Warm, well-made clothing

            Shoes were not suited for mountain climbing

Entry wound hadn’t healed

More than 59 tattoos

Found near sacred mountain peak

Copper ax was rare

Tools were laid out around him

Little wear on joints and bones

Political leader

            Arrow head in back

            Warm, well-made clothing

            Shoes were not suited for mountain climbing

            Entry wound hadn’t healed

            Found with dagger in his hand

            Copper ax was rare

            Tools were laid out around him

 Little wear on joints and bones

Died in spring

            Pollen from hop-hornbeam, which blooms in spring

From Katarinaburgh, Italy

            Pollen from hop-hornbeam plant was 27’ into his intestines

            Village had been inhabited for thousands of years

            Dogwood arrow shafts

            Ash knife handle

Here is the partially-completed bubble map students made to outline these hypotheses.