Researchers studying Oetzi, the 5,000-year-old mummy found frozen in the Italian Alps, have come up with a new theory for how he died, saying he died from head trauma, not by bleeding to death from an arrow. Just two months ago, researchers in Switzerland published an article in the Journal of Archaeological Science saying the mummy had died after the arrow tore a hole in an artery beneath his left collarbone, leading to massive loss of blood, shock and heart attack. But radiologists, pathologists and other researchers, using new forensic information and CAT scans, said they believed that the blood loss from the arrow wound only made Oetzi lose consciousness. They believe he died either by hitting his head on a rock when he passed out or because his aggressor attacked him again with a blow to the head.
     The researchers presented their findings at the Institute for Mummies and the Iceman at the European Academy in Bolzano, a research institution. In a statement, the academy said the findings reopened the debate over Oetzi's cause of death, particularly since they took into account the rather unnatural way in which his body was found: face down, with his left arm across his chest. The researchers believe the Iceman fell over backward, but was then turned over onto his stomach by his aggressor who then pulled out the arrow shaft while leaving the arrowhead imbedded in Oetzi's shoulder.
     In a paper published in the archaeological magazine Germania, the researchers said they had determined that Oetzi assumed his final position before rigor mortis set in. They also said that based on his good health and equipment found with him, that he belonged to a social class not accustomed to manual labor.

Source: International Herald Tribune (28 August 2007)