Otzi the Iceman’s axe came from Italy: study

Mummified body was found in 1991

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 28, 2011 shows the mummy of an iceman named Otzi, discovered on 1991 in the Italian Schnal Valley glacier, displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Bolzano during an official presentation of the reconstrution. Oetzi the famous "iceman" mummy of the Alps appears to have enjoyed a fine slice or two of Stone Age bacon before he was killed by an arrow some 5,300 years ago. His last meal was most likely dried goat meat, according to scientists who recently managed to dissect the contents of Oetzi's stomach. / AFP PHOTO / Andrea Solero

Scientists have found that a copper axe carried by Otzi the Iceman — the 5,300-year-old well-preserved mummy discovered in the Austrian Alps — came from southern Tuscany in Italy.

The discovery provides new perspective on long-distance relocation of goods and relationships between the early Copper Age cultures. The mummified body of Otzi was discovered in September 1991 in the Otztal mountains. He had died 5,300 years ago on what is now the border between Italy and Austria — kilometres away from Tuscany.

He perished after being shot in the back with an arrow by an unknown assailant, in one of the world’s oldest murder mysteries, The Telegraph reported.

The copper axe was recovered 25 years ago alongside other items belonging to the Iceman and revealed fascinating insights into metallurgy during the Copper Age. It is known that copper was mined in the Alps so it is a mystery why the Iceman’s blade should have come from so far away.

Radiocarbon dating of the axe’s wooden shaft shows that it dates from the early Copper Age, meaning that it was crafted in the 4th millennium BC.