By Vania Raebel | October 9, 2019
The Austrian Ancestor
Many people are familiar with the legendary Otzi Man. His body discovered in the snow and it was later determined that he walked the earth about 5,300 years ago. The well-preserved body was discovered in the Alps between Italy and Austria. Upon further investigation, scientists have learned that Otzi Man is a genetic ancestor to numerous residents living in nearby parts of Austria.
The preservation of Otzi Man’s body allowed scientists to find out that he suffered many diseases throughout his life. The roster of ailments his body had to endure include gallstones, gum disease, hardened arteries, worn joints, parasitic worms, and Lyme disease. None of those ended his life though. It was a blow to his shoulder and skull that killed the poor guy. The fact that he just soldiered on through Lyme disease, parasitic worms will make me think twice next time I’m about to complain about something!
