Otzi the Iceman Murder Mystery

Introduction

In 1991, the mummified body of a 5,000-year-old murder victim was discovered in melting ice at a rocky crime scene high in the Italian Otzal Alps. Nicknamed “Otzi“, the estimated 45-year-old man and his possessions were incredibly well-preserved. His skin, hair, bones, and organs were cryo-preserved in time, allowing archeological researchers a phenomenal insight into human life in the Copper Age.

The story began on a sunny September day, when two hikers were traversing a mountain pass at the about 10,530 feet in elevation, and saw a brown, leathery shape protruding from the ice. Examining it closely, they found a human body which they thought might be the victim of a past mountaineering accident.

The hikers reported it to the police who arrived the following day and quickly realized they were dealing with an ancient archeological site. A scientific team was assembled and, over a three-day period, the remains were extracted and taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Innsbruck, Austria.

Many questions arose. Who was he? Where did he come from? How long ago did he live? And, of course, what caused his death?

The frozen corpse also gave modern science the opportunity to forensically investigate and positively determine how Otzi the Iceman was killed.

Task

Your learning target is:  I can write an argument that introduces

You're task is to choose from four theories about how Otzi may have died.  Once you have chosen a theory , you will write an argument in which you present your claim, and support your claim with evidence from your research.  Complete directions will follow.

Process

Begin your research using steps 1- xx.

Step 1:  View the following video that presents facts about the discovery and examinations of Otzi, and the results of those examinations.

Step 2:  Visit the following websites to gather additional information for your research.

Step 3:  Read four prominent theories about the death of Otzi.

Step 4:  Choose one you believe is true and write a one-paragraph argument using the following form.