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Geography and History. Ancient Chapter 1, Section 1. The Iceman of the Alps. In 1991, two hikers discovered the Iceman’s body in a mountain pass in the Alps, on the Italian-Austrian border in Europe. Scientists studied the thousands-old body and his possessions.
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Geography and History Ancient Chapter 1, Section 1
The Iceman of the Alps • In 1991, two hikers discovered the Iceman’s body in a mountain pass in the Alps, on the Italian-Austrian border in Europe. • Scientists studied the thousands-old body and his possessions. • Provided clues about his life and death • Scientists determined the Iceman lived about 5,000 years ago in 3,000 B.C. • His clothes were made of finely stitched animal skins. • Probably came from a community with people skilled in sewing
The Iceman of the Alps Otzi’s body Otzi’s discovery
The Iceman of the Alps • The most important clue about the Iceman’s life was his copper ax. • Copper was the first metal used by Europeans, beginning about 4,000 B.C. • There was no doubt the Iceman lived after people had learned to use copper. • Ten years after the discovery of the Iceman, scientists discovered an important clue to the story of the Iceman’s death. • found an arrowhead lodged in his chest • previously thought he had fallen asleep and froze to death • Scientists now believe the Iceman died from being shot by an arrow.
The Iceman of the Alps Arrowhead Otzi’s copper ax
Understanding History • About 5,000 years ago, people from southwest Asia and Africa developed systems of writing. • They began to keep records of their experiences. • That was the beginning of history recorded events of people • Prehistory before history • This was the period of time in the past before writing was invented. • How can we learn about the people who lived before written history?
Prehistory: Digging Up the Past • To learn about life in prehistoric times, scientists must rely on clues other than written records. • Archaeologists examine objects to learn about past people and cultures • They sift through the dirt of prehistoric camps to find bones, tools, and other objects. • These objects may tell them something about the people who lived there.
History: A Record in Writing • Historians do not have to rely on the objects discovered by archaeologists to learn about the past. • They study the written record of human life and accomplishments to understand a society – wars, religion, rulers, etc. • Historians also look at what other groups living at the same time wrote about that society.
Oral Traditions: A Record in the Spoken Word • The written records historians often studied often began as oral traditions stories passed down by word of mouth. • Can tell family history, stories about heroes or events in the past • Not all oral stories are historically accurate. • Myths and legends mix facts with beliefs and exaggerations about heroes. • Still, oral traditions tell about how a society lived and what the people considered important.
Linking Geography with History • Knowing the connection between geography and history is often the key to understanding why events happened. • Ancient Egyptian example: • They were a successful civilization because they built on the banks of the great Nile River. Each year, the Nile flooded, depositing rich black soil on its banks. • This assisted farmers who could grow enough to feed the large population. • Everyone did not have to farm and could do other things to develop the civilization. • Without the Nile flooding, Egyptian civilization would not have become so successful.
The Iceman of the Alps • Otzi, the Iceman
