Expert: Ralph Salier - 11/26/2008

Question
Hello,
I need a bit of help with the OETZI.
Could you tell me some theories on WHY THE OETZI LIVED ON THE ALPS?   
Sincerely yours,
Applebaum

Answer
Hello Applebaum

Oetzi did not live on the Alps but rather was a traveller thru the Alps.  Based on the materials found with him, he was travelling from one location to another and probably towards home when some kind of accident happened and he died during his trip home.  From the materials found with him, it is clear that he had been down in the lower reaches of the valley just prior to his death (based on pollen and some of the foods with him) and that he knew that he was going into a cold zone (based on his clothing) and that clearly something caused his untimley death and the preservation of his body.  From his other artifacts, it is clear that his home was on the other side of the mountains and that he was headed home.  This is based on other fibers on the body which originated to the north.