Prehistoric iceman 'Otzi' was killed by arrow, say scientists

More than 5,000 years after the prehistoric hunter known as Otzi drew his last breath on a snow-covered Alpine mountain, scientists now say that he bled to death from an arrow wound to the shoulder.

According to an article published online in the Journal of Archaeological Science the arrow tore a hole in an artery beneath his left collarbone, leading to massive loss of blood and shock and causing Otzi to suffer a heart attack.

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Even today, the chances of surviving such an injury long enough to receive hospital treatment are only 40 percent, according to the article.

The fact that the arrow's shaft was pulled out before his death may have worsened the injury, said scientists.

The findings confirm earlier suspicions that linked the arrowhead embedded in Otzi's body with his death, and virtually rule out other theories including that he may have been the victim of a ritual sacrifice or caught in a storm.

The use of high-resolution X-ray technology, - normally used to diagnose living patients - the researchers were able to create three-dimensional images of Oetzi without having to use surgical procedures that would have damaged the body.

Otzi became a celebrity after his well-preserved body was accidentally discovered by hikers in 1991 on a glacier 3,210 meters above sea level on the border between Austria and Italy.

The iceman has been crucial to our understanding of how prehistoric people lived, what they wore and even what they ate.

Researchers had previously suggested he was killed by a rival hunter after putting up a fight, and by examing the content of his stomach worked out that his final meal consisted of venison and ibex meat.

Archaeologists believe Otzi, who was carrying a bow, a quiver of arrows and a copper axe, may have been a hunter or warrior killed in a skirmish with a rival tribe.

Hi perfectly preserved body is stored in his own specially designed cold storage chamber at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Italy at a constant temperature of -6°C.

Visitors can view the mummy through a small window.