SELECT TWO ITEMS FOUND WITH THE ICEMAN OR TO DO WITH HIS BODY AND EXPLAIN HOW THEY ENHANCE OUR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE MAN AND THE TIMES IN WHICH HE LIVED

1 ) Copper Axe

The copper axe proved to be a significant finding as this proved the iceman to be of a stone age man. The copper axe measure to be around two feet long made from Yew wood with a copper axe head. The two pieces were binded together with Sinew and leather. Another interesting discovery was that Copper wasn’t available in the region as to where Otzi lived, meaning Otzi could have obtained the copper through trade. The copper axe was mainly used in order for hunting purposes and through the process of collecting wood. We are able to understand that the iceman was able to use such tools as the copper axe in order to hunt for his food to survive and wood for warmth and shelter.We can gather that in the times of which Otzi lived he was able to utilise tools for the essentials necessities basic for life not so different from today , however obviously back in Otzi time there were limited resources.

2 ) Tattoos found on the Iceman’s body

In total there were fifty seven tattoos found on the Iceman’s body. It is interesting as some of the tattoos were located on or near acupuncture spots. Scientist believe that the places where the tattoos are located resemble a form of acupuncture for the treatment of symptoms of diseases that the the Iceman seemed to suffer from. Some of the diseases included infestation of parasites throughout his intestines, whipworm infestation which was found in his colon and his lungs were very clogged which indicated signs of Osteoarthritis.  From this we can gather that Otzi the Iceman’s health was detrimental before the time of his death. He suffered from many diseases which would’ve affected him critically as he could not obtain the medical attention that today’s medical treatment offers. However through the vast tattoos we are able to obtain that there was some type of acupuncture treatment through tattoos. This indicates that the tattoos might’ve helped cure or treat some of the diseases Otzi the Iceman suffered from during that time.