Station 4: Timeline Creation

Create a timeline that represents significant events in the life of the Iceman and his
discovery. You can use dates and numbers to sequence these events and practice
their numeracy skills while summarizing the story.

Rubric for Iceman Timeline Activity:

Criteria Excellent Proficient Developing Novice
Timeline is accurate Mostly accurate Inaccurate with Entirely inaccurate
Accuracy and well-structured with minor errors significant issues or disorganized
Effectively uses Uses them with Use is confusing or Struggles with
Numeracy dates and numbers occasional errors inconsistent correct use
Well-organized, clear,
and visually Organized but Lacks organization Disorganized and
Clarity appealing lacks some appeal and appeal hard to understand
Total Score 12-10 9-7 6-4 3-1

Timeline of Ötzi the Iceman's Life and Discovery:

1. 5,300 years ago: Ötzi the Iceman is born during the Copper Age, a historical
era marked by significant technological advancements.
2. 1991: Hikers discover Ötzi's well-preserved mummy in the Tyrolean Alps.
3. 2001: X-ray examination reveals an arrowhead lodged in Ötzi's shoulder,
indicating that he was fatally shot with an arrow.
4. 2012: Ötzi's genome is partially sequenced, revealing some information about
his ancestry and genetic makeup.
5. 2023: New DNA analysis is conducted on Ötzi's pelvis, providing more
accurate data about his appearance and refining his ancestry.
6. Research uncovers that Ötzi had dark skin, dark eyes, and was likely bald
during his lifetime, challenging previous depictions of him.
7. Ötzi's diet is analyzed, revealing that he consumed ibex and deer meat,
offering insights into his culinary choices.
8. The DNA analysis clarifies Ötzi's ancestry, showing that he had more in
common with early Anatolian farmers from what is now Turkey than with
other contemporaneous European populations.
9. Scientists gain a deeper understanding of Ötzi's isolated lifestyle, with limited
contact to other populations during his time.

This timeline summarizes the significant events in the life of Ötzi the Iceman and the
discoveries made about him over the years, showcasing his historical context and
the ongoing research that sheds light on his story.

Questions and Answer:

 1. Question: What do Ötzi's birthdate and the era he lived in tell us about the
significance of his life in the context of human history, and how does his
discovery provide valuable insights into that time?
Answer Key: Ötzi was born around 5,300 years ago during the Copper Age,
a period marked by important technological advancements. His discovery in
1991 was significant because it provided an exceptionally well-preserved
snapshot of that era, shedding light on the lifestyle, health, and circumstances
of people during the Copper Age.
2. Question: How has the technological advancement in DNA analysis improved
our understanding of Ötzi over time, and what specific discoveries have these
advancements yielded?
Answer Key: Advances in DNA analysis have enhanced our understanding of
Ötzi's ancestry and appearance. While the initial 2012 study provided some
insights, the 2023 analysis offered a more accurate picture of his genetic
makeup, showing his dark skin, dark eyes, and likelihood of being bald during
his lifetime. This new information challenged earlier depictions of him.
3. Question: What historical mysteries related to Ötzi are yet to be uncovered,
and how might further research contribute to our understanding of his life
and death?
Answer Key: Many mysteries surrounding Ötzi persist, such as the reason
for his presence in the high mountains, the circumstances of his violent death,
and the full extent of his microbiome. Further research could help reveal more
details about his life, the challenges he faced, and the environment in which
he lived.
These questions encourage critical thinking about Ötzi's historical significance, the
impact of technology on research, and the potential for future discoveries about this
fascinating archaeological find.