New radiological insights into the life and death of the Tyrolean Iceman

The radiological examinations carried out on the Tyrolean Iceman (5300 B.P.) in Bolzano between 2001 and 2006 have undergone a new, systematic re-appraisal, during which new findings have been added to those already known beforehand. Until now, it has been assumed that the Iceman’s stomach was empty (due to the fact that this organ could not be localised), the colon contents constituting the Iceman’s last meal. During this re-appraisal, however, the stomach could not only be exactly identified, but was also found to be well-filled, shedding new light on the scenario leading to his violent death. In addition, several other novel aspects were observed: three gallbladder stones were found which, in combination with the previously identified atherosclerosis, indicate that the Iceman’s diet may have been richer in animal products than previous studies have suggested. The signs of enthesopathy in the knees indicate that he spent many hours wandering in the mountains. Several radio-opaque objects superficially embedded within the soft tissue were identified as being of taphonomic origin. The right humerus was found to be postmortally fractured.

► The stomach of the Iceman was identified and found to be well-filled. ► This is shedding new light on the scenario leading to his violent death. ► Gallblader stones indicating a diet rich in animal products. ► Enthesopathy in the knees indicate that he spent many hours walking in the mountains. ► The right humerus was postmortally fractured.