Ötzi the Iceman, a naturally mummified man from the Copper Age, offers an unparalleled glimpse into prehistoric life through his remarkably preserved remains. Discovered in the Ötztal Alps in 1991, his body and belongings have provided a wealth of information about a human from approximately 5,300 years ago. Studying his last meal has allowed scientists to reconstruct aspects of his daily existence and the dietary habits of people living in the Alps during that period.
Unraveling the Final Feast
Researchers employed a combination of advanced scientific methodologies to analyze the contents of Ötzi’s stomach and intestines. Initially, the stomach was difficult to locate, but CT scans in 2009 revealed its well-preserved contents. Scientists then used a multi-omics approach, which involves studying various biomolecules like ancient DNA, proteins, metabolites, and lipids.
Microscopic examination provided initial visual identification of plant and animal residues within the digestive tract. DNA analysis, extracting genetic material from the samples, allowed researchers to distinguish between animal and plant food remains, and pollen. Chemical analysis further identified metabolic compounds and fat residues, providing a comprehensive picture of the meal’s composition. This combined approach enabled the reconstruction of Ötzi’s nutritional habits and food processing methods.
The Contents of His Last Meal
Ötzi’s stomach contents revealed a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, indicating a well-adjusted diet for his high-altitude trekking. The analysis showed a high proportion of fat, making up between 27% and 46% of his stomach’s contents. This fat primarily came from ibex, a wild goat species, suggesting it was deliberately consumed for energy.
In addition to the fatty ibex meat, DNA analysis confirmed the presence of red deer meat, eaten either fresh or dried. Cereal grains from einkorn wheat were also identified, indicating the inclusion of cultivated plants in his diet. Traces of bracken fern and mosses were also found. While bracken is toxic, its presence might be due to unintentional ingestion from wrapping food or potentially for medicinal purposes.
Insights from His Diet
The composition of Ötzi’s last meal offers insights into his lifestyle and the broader Copper Age. The high fat content, particularly from ibex, suggests a conscious choice to consume energy-dense foods, beneficial for maintaining energy levels and warmth while traversing the challenging Alpine terrain.
The presence of both wild game, like ibex and red deer, and cultivated einkorn wheat demonstrates a mixed subsistence strategy. This indicates that Copper Age people in the Alpine region were both skilled hunters and engaged in early agricultural practices. The discovery of dried meat suggests knowledge of food preservation techniques, such as smoking or air-drying, important for storing food for journeys or periods of scarcity. His diet also provides clues about the season of his death, as the presence of pollen residues, such as hop-hornbeam, aligns with a journey through a subalpine coniferous forest, occurring in spring or early summer. These findings collectively paint a detailed picture of resource utilization and survival strategies during a significant period in human history.