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Osteologie 2025; 34(01): 36-43
DOI: 10.1055/a-2511-3646
Review

Ötzis Knochen: Was das Skelett der Gletschermumie über sein Leben und Sterben verrät

Ötzi's bones: What the skeleton of the glacier mummy reveals about his life and death
Albert Zink
1   Eurac Research, Institut für Mumienforschung, Bozen, Italy
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Zusammenfassung

Die Gletschermumie Ötzi, entdeckt 1991 in den Ötztaler Alpen, zählt zu den am besten untersuchten Mumien weltweit. Sein außergewöhnlich guter Erhaltungszustand ermöglicht tiefgehende Einblicke in die Kupferzeit, insbesondere in Bezug auf Lebensstil, Ernährung, Krankheiten und Todesursache. Multidisziplinäre Studien – darunter anthropologische, paläopathologische, molekulare und radiologische Analysen – lieferten detaillierte Erkenntnisse über Ötzis Lebensweise und die Umstände seines gewaltsamen Todes. Der vorliegende Artikel widmet sich den Untersuchungen, die an Ötzis Skelett durchgeführt wurden, und beleuchtet deren bedeutenden Beitrag zu seiner Erforschung. Das Skelett zeigt deutliche Spuren intensiver körperlicher Belastung und hoher Mobilität, erkennbar insbesondere am stark ausgeprägten Schienbein, ein typisches Merkmal für Bewegungen in alpinem Gelände. Gleichzeitig wiesen degenerative Gelenkerkrankungen, vor allem an der Wirbelsäule und den unteren Extremitäten, auf die Beanspruchungen seines Körpers hin. Interessanterweise zeigten die Gelenke der Arme und Hände kaum Abnutzung. Die Umstände seines Todes konnten durch detaillierte Analysen rekonstruiert werden: Eine Pfeilverletzung an der linken Schulter durchtrennte das Schulterblatt und die Arteria subclavia, was höchstwahrscheinlich tödlich war. Zusätzlich weist ein Schädel-Hirn-Trauma auf einen möglichen Sturz oder einen weiteren Angriff hin. Die Ergebnisse der Ötzi-Forschung bieten einzigartige Einblicke in die Lebensbedingungen der Kupferzeit und die frühen medizinischen Praktiken dieser Epoche. Sie verdeutlichen, wie sich Ötzi und seine Gemeinschaft an die Herausforderungen eines harten, alpinen Lebens anpassten.

Abstract

The glacier mummy Ötzi, discovered in 1991 in the Ötztal Alps, is among the most thoroughly studied mummies worldwide. His exceptionally well-preserved state provides profound insights into the Copper Age, particularly regarding lifestyle, diet, diseases, and cause of death. Multidisciplinary studies – including anthropological, paleopathological, molecular, and radiological analyses – have yielded detailed knowledge about Ötzi’s way of life and the circumstances surrounding his violent death. This article focuses on the investigations conducted on Ötzi’s skeleton and highlights their significant contributions to his study. The skeleton shows clear signs of intense physical activity and high mobility, most notably evident in the pronounced development of the tibia, a typical feature of movement in alpine terrain. At the same time, degenerative joint diseases, especially in the spine and lower extremities, reflect the physical strain he endured. Interestingly, the joints in his arms and hands show little to no wear. The circumstances of his death were reconstructed through detailed analyses: an arrow wound in his left shoulder severed the scapula and the subclavian artery, a likely fatal injury. Additionally, evidence of a cranial trauma suggests a potential fall or another assault. The findings of Ötzi research provide unique insights into the living conditions of the Copper Age and the early medical practices of that period. They illustrate how Ötzi and his community adapted to the challenges of a harsh alpine environment.

Schlüsselwörter

Gletschermumie - Paläopathologie - Degenerative Gelenkerkrankungen - Knöcherne Verletzungen

Keywords

Iceman mummy - Paleopathology - Degenerative joint disease - Violent death


Publication History

Received: 08 December 2024

Accepted: 06 January 2025

Article published online:
11 February 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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