Ice Age Treasures: Searching for Frozen Relics in the Alps

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In summary, recently, a unique Ice Age lion cub was found well-preserved in Siberian permafrost. This is one of many exciting finds to come out of thawing frozen environments, such as the mummified remains of Ice Age animals like Ötzi the Iceman, Iron Age remains from glaciers, and beautiful Pazyryk burial fabrics. Ötzi, also known as the Iceman, was a natural mummy discovered in the Ötztal Alps in 1991 and is believed to have been murdered. Much investigation and speculation surrounds his life and death, and National Geographic provided a follow-up article last year about what we have discovered about him so far.
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(Extinct Ice Age Cave Lion cub: https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2021-0...in-Siberian-permafrost-12HzKKOLcpq/index.html )

What do you think are the most exciting finds to come out of thawing frozen environments, whether archaeological or paleontological?
For example the mummfied remains of Ice Age animals from the Siberian permafrost, Iron Age remains coming out of glaciers (for example these Iron Age skis: https://www.livescience.com/iron-age-ski-discovered-norway ), or beautiful Pazyryk burial fabrics, etc?

Recently I enjoyed this documentary about searching for frozen treasures in the Alps a lot:

 
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Ötzi, the frozen guy:
Ötzi, also called the Iceman, is the natural mummy of a man who lived some time between 3350 and 3105 BC, discovered in September 1991 in the Ötztal Alps (hence the nickname "Ötzi") on the border between Austria and Italy.

Ötzi is believed to have been murdered, due to the discovery of an arrowhead embedded in his left shoulder and various other wounds. The nature of his life and the circumstances of his death are the subject of much investigation and speculation.
 
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1. What is "Ice Age Treasures" about?

"Ice Age Treasures" is a book that explores the fascinating world of frozen relics in the Alps. It delves into the scientific discoveries and cultural significance of these relics, which provide valuable insights into the Earth's past and the lives of ancient humans and animals.

2. How did these frozen relics form?

The frozen relics found in the Alps were formed during the last Ice Age, which lasted from about 110,000 to 12,000 years ago. During this time, glaciers covered much of Europe, including the Alps, and as they moved and melted, they preserved various objects and remains in the ice.

3. What kind of objects and remains have been found in the Alps?

A variety of objects and remains have been found in the Alps, including ancient tools and weapons used by early humans, well-preserved animal carcasses, and even human bodies. These relics provide valuable information about the environment, climate, and human and animal life during the Ice Age.

4. What techniques are used to study these frozen relics?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to study frozen relics, such as radiocarbon dating, DNA analysis, and CT scanning. These methods help to determine the age, species, and other important characteristics of the relics, providing valuable insights into the past.

5. Why are these frozen relics important?

These frozen relics are important because they provide a unique window into the past, allowing scientists to better understand the Earth's history and the lives of ancient humans and animals. They also have cultural significance, as they offer a connection to our ancestors and shed light on our shared history.

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