Konrad Spindler was a prominent Austrian archaeologist who played a key role in the initial investigation and analysis of Ötzi. While he wasn't the sole researcher, he made several key conclusions, including:
* Ötzi was a Copper Age man: Based on the artifacts found with him, including a copper axe, Spindler determined that Ötzi lived during the Copper Age, around 3300 BCE.
* Ötzi's cause of death: Spindler, along with other researchers, concluded that Ötzi was likely murdered, based on an arrowhead found embedded in his shoulder and other injuries on his body.
* Ötzi's daily life: Examining Ötzi's clothing, tools, and possessions, Spindler and his team were able to reconstruct a picture of life in the Copper Age. Ötzi was likely a hunter-gatherer, and his belongings reflected his skills and daily life.
* The significance of the find: Spindler recognized the extraordinary importance of Ötzi as an unprecedented source of information about the Copper Age. He played a major role in establishing the Ötzi Research Institute in Bolzano, Italy, which has continued to study and learn from the Iceman.
However, it's important to note that scientific understanding of Ötzi has evolved since Spindler's initial research. Modern technology and advanced research methods have allowed for further investigation, revealing even more information about Ötzi's life, death, and the Copper Age.
For example, more recent research has challenged the initial conclusion that Ötzi was murdered. Some experts now believe he may have died of exposure or other causes.
Despite this, Spindler's initial work was crucial in establishing the importance of Ötzi and setting the stage for the continuous research and understanding of this remarkable find.