Origin and migration of the Alpine Iceman.
The Alpine Iceman provides a unique window into the Neolithic-Copper Age of Europe. We compared the radiogenic (strontium and lead) and stable (oxygen and carbon) isotope composition of the Iceman's teeth and bones, as well as 40Ar/39Ar mica ages from his intestine, to local geology and hydrology, and we inferred his habitat and range from childhood to adult life. The Iceman's origin can be restricted to a few valleys within approximately 60 kilometers south(east) of the discovery site. His migration during adulthood is indicated by contrasting isotopic compositions of enamel, bones, and intestinal content. This demonstrates that the Alpine valleys of central Europe were permanently inhabited during the terminal Neolithic.
Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. wolfgang.mueller@anu.edu.au
Wolfgang
W
Müller
Henry
H
Fricke
Alex N
AN
Halliday
Malcolm T
MT
McCulloch
Jo-Anne
JA
Wartho
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D001128:Argon / Q000032:analysis; D001317:Austria; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry; D004326:Drinking; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D004777:Environment; D005269:Femur / Q000737:chemistry; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000737:chemistry; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D006801:Humans; D007053:Ice; D007554:Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D007558:Italy; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D009106:Mummies; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D010163:Paleontology; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D013325:Strontium Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D014867:Water
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D007053:Ice; D007554:Isotopes; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes; D012987:Soil; D013325:Strontium Isotopes; D014867:Water; D007854:Lead; D001128:Argon; C011934:mica