Genome analysis of the mummified corpse known as Ötzi the iceman has revealed new physical details about his appearance. Ötzi, who was found trapped in the ice of the Italian Alps, is believed to have had dark eyes, receding black hair, few or no freckles, and a darker skin tone. This contradicts previous findings that suggested he had a light-skinned complexion.
Researchers conducted a higher-coverage analysis of Ötzi’s genome to gain insight into his genetic history and physical appearance. They discovered genes associated with male-pattern baldness and darker skin tone, indicating that Ötzi had a dark-skinned complexion during his lifetime. These findings also challenge previous assumptions about his ancestry.
The initial genome sequencing of Ötzi in 2012 suggested a genetic affinity between Ötzi and present-day Sardinians, as well as Steppe farmer-related ancestry. However, the sample from 2012 was contaminated with modern human DNA, leading to potentially inaccurate results. The recent research, using a different extraction method with reduced contamination, revealed that Ötzi had a high proportion of genes in common with early farmers from Anatolia.
Johannes Krause, the co-author of the study, expressed surprise at not finding traces of eastern European Steppe herders in the analysis. He noted that genetically, Ötzi’s ancestors seemed to have arrived directly from Anatolia without mixing with hunter-gatherer groups. This suggests that Ötzi’s population lived in an isolated area with limited contact with other populations.
The study’s co-author, Albert Zink, emphasized the importance of these new findings for future reconstructions of Ötzi’s appearance. He highlighted that the advancements in sequencing technology allowed for more accurate analysis, leading to a better understanding of Ötzi’s ancestry and physical features.
The research not only provides intriguing insights into the life of Ötzi the iceman but also demonstrates the potential of genomic analysis to reveal new details about ancient individuals. As sequencing technology continues to advance, researchers can expect to uncover more secrets hidden in the genomes of our ancestors.