Ötzi the Iceman: Reconstruction by Kennis © South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Foto Ochsenreiter
The solar system is an awesome place. Planets, stars, asteroids, you name it, it’s got.
Closer to home, here on planet Earth, human beings are adapting to an ever changing environment;, be it natural, technological or even commercial, the planet we live on is a dynamic, ever changing, fluid like place! Sounds complicated, I mean, filtering down, through the solar system, to the very point at which an individual is standing on, should be a calculable procedure, but sometimes, it's just pure luck! In 1991, such a bit of incredible luck occurred with the discovery of a mummified Iceman in the Ötztal Alps, of South Tyrol, Italy.
I travelled to Italy in search of this world famous Iceman, aptly named Ötzi, after the place of his discovery. The mummified Ötzi is known to be one of Europe’s oldest examples of an ancient human being, and he is now, quite oddly, a celebrity amongst his human predecessors.
Italy is always a great place. No matter which part of the boot you are in, there is always something interesting happening. The mountains and villages are graced with a beauty, that's unique and stunning. So distinctive, that no matter how influenced some parts may be by other cultures and neighbouring counties, they will always have an Italian flair to them. Bolzano, which shares an Austrian/German influence, is home to some awesome happenings. During the day, the air is crisp, with the overlooking Alps ever present, a nearby fort or castle either here or there, and of course, an abundance of good Italian wine and cuisine!
The city of Bolzano, Italy
Nonetheless, my adventure or mission was to seek this celeb Iceman. Not since Top Gun has a persona with the name Iceman drawn such attention, and since his discovery in 1991, lots has been learnt about his era and life. After his discovery by a German couple, more information has been learnt, through further discoveries. From his garments, to his tools, even natural remedies and medicines which he used, his existence has helped clarify, and at the same time confuse, those speculating upon his abilities. So many theories and concepts are put forward that the famed Ötzi seems almost a superhuman of sorts. His mummified presence at the Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Adige (South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology), is one that almost makes you think you were actually in a famous superhero’s ice cave. The only difference is that unlike the caped Superman, this hero isn’t fictional but a true link to our past.
The museum is a thoroughly well put together, It provides a showcase of not only Ötzi, but an interactive insight into his estimated time of existence. The scientific insight into his life, that is presented, proves that seeing is believing, and of course, the real deal – the hero – displayed in his ice room of sorts, is what puts the entire exhibition into perspective.
Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Adige and Ötzi the Iceman reconstruction by Kennis © South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Foto Ochsenreiter
Whatever the deliberations, predictions, theories and assessments that are made surrounding Ötzi, there is no questioning that his discovery is incredible, and that his continued existence is just about amazing. I left the Iceman exhibition feeling a little better, knowing that the planet has really come of age; with Bolzano showing that it is a place where history can be preserved, engaged with, and learnt from. It's amazing how a reminder from the past can make you appreciate the good things in life, like a freshly made hot Italian pizza!. Until the next adventure...
Find out more about Ötzi the Iceman:
The official website Iceman.it and Facebook Fan Page!
Notes: Many thanks to South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology for an awesome setup and invitation to see Ötzi!
