The mummy was found more than two decades ago but new scientific discoveries are making it more interesting. The mummy, named Otzi after the Alpine area, the Oztal Alps, where he was found, can tell us:
1 He was killed by an arrow in his shoulder. A bit gruesome, but everybody in history died of something.
2 The pollen in his stomach tells us where he lived
3 His hardened arteries show this health issue was not only one from our modern times
4 Egyptian mummies had blood and stomach and brain removed so a natural mummy can tell us more
5 How do you preserve him now that he has been dug up and moved to a museum? With air con.
I never used to be keen on skulls and skeletons, although more realistic preserved bodies seemed less uncomfortable, without the ghoulish grin of the tooth revealing skull with its missing eyes and nose. However, in addition to the horrified fascination, one has the feeling that the man has achieved immortality.
Plus, above all, the history solving the mystery, and the wonders and scrupulous care of careful science painting a picture of life long ago. Offset against the inevitable revelation of the cause of death, are the revelations of the daily life. His last supper as ibex.
We know as well the comforts or clothes:
Leggings.
Goatskin.
Bear fur hat.
So often you have the joyful discovery of what would have been the wearer's pleasure and pride, their ornaments and possessions. I love the way the copper tools are described, with the axe compared to the iPhone of the day. Other people enjoy the peep into the past, almost like time travel.
Finally, the joy of the local tourist board, in Northern Italy, put on the map by the latest revelations.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3795815/25-years-Europe-s-oldest-human-mummy-Alps-scientists-say-amazed-learning-5-300-year-old-corpse.html
Adult fee 9 euros. Various discounts including fee reduced to 7 euros for seniors. Also: family tickets, tickets using local tourist cards.
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
Bolzano / Bozen
Italy
Nearest airports are Verona and Innsbruck. The town is on a train line, then you catch a bus from the station. If you drive, park in the town centre car parks for which there is a fee.
I am surprised they are not more tourist friendly with a shuttle bus, or a car park fee reduction for people visiting the museum or vice versa. But the website helpfully gives you full directions.
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.
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