Ötzi the Iceman

Ötzi the Iceman

From Past Lives by Patrick Wyman

April 29, 2026 · 29 min · Season 2 · Episode 10

About this episode

The episode explores the life and significance of Ötzi the Iceman, whose remarkably preserved remains provide insights into ancient human life.

Of all the many people who lived in the distant past, we might know Ötzi the Iceman the best. Found in the Ötztal Alps of northern Italy in 1991, Ötzi lived more than 5,300 years ago, but the icy conditions where he died preserved his remains to an extraordinary degree. We know what Ötzi ate for his last meals, where he spent his youth, what materials his clothing was made out of, and even what kinds of parasites infected his digestive tract. The result is an illuminating portrait of a long-dead human being. Become a member now at www.patreon.com/cw/PastLivesMedia. You'll get access to the Past Lives Discord server and four pieces of bonus content per month (including a historian interview, book club, Q and A, and a sources and evidence discussion). Past Lives is a 100-percent independent production, and your support is what allows us to make this show. So, thank you.

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Wyman

Topics covered

  • Ötzi the Iceman
  • archaeology
  • ancient history
  • human remains
  • mummification

Keywords

  • Ötzi
  • Iceman
  • archaeology
  • ancient history
  • mummification
  • Ötztal Alps
  • Italy

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Ötztal Alps, Italy

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