The Iceman's Axe...!

If ancient history and archaeology have shown us one thing, it's that we know next to nothing about some of the finds we have uncovered over the years.

Anytime we have to ask why about an archaeology discovery, we are in deep trouble. Take the case of the Iceman's axe, for instance.

Ax Of The Iceman

Photo credit: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

In 1991, hikers discovered Otzi the Iceman sticking out of a glacier in the Otzal Mountains on the Italian-Austrian border. Dated to 5,300 years ago in the Copper Age, Otzi was killed by an arrow to the back and remains one of the world’s earliest known murder mysteries.

In July 2017, researchers made a surprising announcement about Otzi’s world. His copper ax was imported. Isotope analysis of the blade revealed that the copper used in the world’s oldest preserved Neolithic ax came from Southern Tuscany, hinting at extended networks of prehistoric trade. Initially, researchers believed the ore used was mined within 100 kilometers (60 mi) of Otzi’s final alpine resting place. It is unknown whether the finished blade or only the source material was imported from the south. Copper was mined in the Alps during this period. Why Otzi chose Tuscan material over locally sourced ore remains a mystery

I found this intriguing mystery on Listverse, which is always a good source of information for me.

Coffee out on the patio again. Temps are gonna be in the 60s, but with plenty of sunshine.