Iceman Reborn: A 5,000-Year-Old Murder Mystery | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS

The paragraph introduces Ötzi, the well-preserved ancient human specimen found in a glacier, highlighting his significance in scientific research. Ötzi's discovery in 1991 near the Austria-Italy border is discussed, along with initial theories about his origin, which were proven incorrect through genetic analysis. The narrative also touches on the interdisciplinary interest in Ötzi and the quest to uncover his true origins and the circumstances of his death.

This section delves into the scientific examination of Ötzi, including his physical characteristics, health conditions, and cause of death. It reveals that Ötzi was about 45 years old with brown eyes and dark hair, and suffered from Lyme disease and heart disease predisposition. The discovery of an arrowhead in his shoulder and the subsequent CT scans confirmed he died from an arrow wound. The paragraph also discusses the challenges of preserving Ötzi and the creation of a replica for further study and public access.

The process of creating a life-like replica of Ötzi using 3D printing technology is detailed. The replica serves as a tool for researchers and the public to study Ötzi without risking damage to the original mummy. The artist, Gary Staab, is tasked with sculpting the replica to accurately reflect Ötzi's physical appearance and details. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of this project in advancing our understanding of the past and the meticulous effort required to create the replica.

This paragraph discusses Ötzi's lifestyle based on his physical condition and the artifacts found with him. It suggests that he was a traveler, possibly involved in trading, due to the wear on his legs and back. The analysis of his stomach contents provides clues about his diet and recent movements, indicating a mix of hunting and farming activities. The paragraph also touches on the artist's journey in creating Ötzi's replica and his expertise in bringing extinct creatures to life.

The paragraph describes the intricate process of sculpting Ötzi's replica, focusing on the challenges of replicating human skin and the mummy's distinct features. It outlines the four-part process of sculpting, molding, painting, and detailing, emphasizing the complexity of each step. The artist's goal is to transform the plastic model into a life-like representation of Ötzi, capturing every detail from skin texture to facial features.

This section explores the function and significance of Ötzi's tattoos, which are believed to be therapeutic rather than decorative. The placement of the tattoos corresponds to areas of ailment or injury, suggesting they were used for pain relief. The paragraph also discusses the techniques used to create the tattoos and the discovery of a previously unseen tattoo on Ötzi's chest using multispectral imaging. The discussion includes the broader context of tattoo traditions across ancient cultures.

The paragraph focuses on Ötzi's携带的两种蘑菇 and their potential uses for survival and medicinal purposes. One mushroom, the tinder fungus, was used for starting fires, while the other, birch polypore, had antiseptic properties and could be applied to wounds or ingested as a painkiller. The narrative also touches on the ongoing research into Ötzi's genetic code to uncover his true identity and the transition from hunter-gatherer to farming societies in prehistoric Europe.

This section delves into the analysis of Ötzi's DNA, providing insights into his appearance, health, and ancestry. It explains how genetic mutations and patterns help determine Ötzi's relation to modern populations. The surprising discovery that Ötzi's closest living relatives are from Sardinia and Corsica is discussed, along with the implications for understanding the migration of early farmers into Europe.

The paragraph describes the completion and unveiling of Ötzi's replica, emphasizing the artist's aim to create a life-like representation that would momentarily fool experts. The replica's examination by Albert Zink, who oversees the institute for mummies in Italy, is highlighted, along with his approval and the significance of the replica for future research. The narrative concludes with the replica's presentation at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, underscoring its potential to advance our understanding of human history.