History written in DNA

However, the results of DNA analysis of blood found on one of the arrows proved to be a sensation – the blood belonged to two individuals, but neither was Ótzi. Traces of blood were also found on the knife he clutched in his hand at the moment of agony, and this blood also did not belong to him. Therefore, the sequence of events could have been as follows.

At the pass, Hibernatus and his mysterious companion were attacked by three—or more—assassins, and a fight ensued. Despite being surprised, Ótzi defended himself effectively—he killed one with his bow, drew his precious arrow, and fired a second time, again accurately. Hence the blood of two people found on a single arrow. The third attacker ran up to Ótzi, preventing him from using his bow. A hand-to-hand fight ensued—Ótzi drew his knife and struck. It was then that he was likely wounded in his right hand, making further fighting difficult. And then an arrow, fired from behind, struck him—piercing his back and lodged below the shoulder blade. The pain must have been excruciating; worse still, his companion was also wounded, and, losing strength, he leaned on Ótzi, leaving traces of blood on his cloak. Someone - perhaps that companion - took the arrow shaft out of Ótzi's back, as he was no longer able to do it himself.

These were the final hours of his life. Ótzi must have known this. Dusk was falling, and it was getting cold. He was probably alone now, perhaps wanting to wait out the night in a safe place. This is the opinion of Thomas Loy of the Institute of Molecular Bioscience in Brisbane, whose DNA research contributed significantly to reconstructing Ótzi's final moments. Despite blood loss, progressive paralysis on his left side, and excruciating pain, the Iceman still gathered the strength to reach a group of rocks high above, forming a natural shelter from the wind and cold. He managed to retain all his valuable equipment, so he was likely no longer harassed or pursued. He lay down in the snow or moss, placing his beautiful axe beside him, but he still held his knife in his hand, just in case.

The pain must have been overwhelming, as was the fear—of death, of enemies, of wild animals. Filled with suffering and terror, he fell asleep, or perhaps into a coma. He never woke up again.