Ancient DNA reveals that Ötzi the Iceman is no longer the sole genetic window into Europe’s prehistoric Alps. A new study shows that his neighbors, who lived thousands of years ago in the same rugged terrain, carried ancestry that offers fresh insight into the region’s history.
The research, published in Nature Communications, analysed DNA from 47 individuals who lived in the Austrian Tyrol between 6400 and 1300 B.C.
Scientists examined remains from the Mesolithic to the Middle Bronze Age to trace population diversity and ancestry over 2,000 years. Valentina Coia of the University of Barcelona led the work.
Findings link neighbors to Anatolian farmers
Previous studies once linked Ötzi’s genome to Neolithic farmers from Anatolia, in present-day Turkey. This new research sought to determine whether the people who lived around him shared that same ancestry. The results revealed that they did: between 80 and 90 percent of their genetic makeup originated from early Anatolian farmers. Remarkably, this profile remained largely unchanged for millennia.
On 19 September 1991, German couple Erika and Helmut Simon were exploring the Ötztal Valley region of the Austrian Alps when they came across the corpse of a human who they assumed was a mountain climber who had an accident.
As it turned out, the mummified corpse had actually… pic.twitter.com/VR9JvhNL2m
— Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) July 22, 2023
Such stability stands out against the broader genetic shifts seen elsewhere in Europe. Across much of the continent, ancient genomes reflect multiple waves of migration. In the Eastern Alps, however, the study found continuity rather than upheaval.
“Our study reveals that the Tyrolean Iceman was not an isolated case, but part of a broader pattern of genetic continuity in the Eastern Alps, with only limited impact from later migrations,” Coia wrote.
Unique paternal and maternal lineages found
Still, Ötzi’s genome showed distinct differences. Y‑chromosome analysis, which traces paternal lineage, indicated that most men in the study descended from ancestry linked to prehistoric Germany and France. Ötzi’s paternal lineage, by contrast, was more widely spread across Europe.
Ötzi the Iceman," also known as the Similaun Man, is one of the ancient DNA spotlights included in our database of ancient samples. Many members of our community have already mentioned that they are related to him! Ötzi is a well-preserved mummy of a man who lived around 3,300… pic.twitter.com/rVWS5B2GyY
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) August 8, 2023
Maternal ancestry told another story, and Ötzi’s maternal lineage remains unique. Women’s lineages in the Alpine group were more varied, suggesting that men likely stayed in their birthplace while women moved between communities. His maternal lineage has not been identified in other ancient remains or modern populations.
Mystery and shared physical traits
That mystery has raised new questions for researchers. Did Ötzi belong to a group that later disappeared? Or does his rare lineage hint at social structures or isolated communities in the prehistoric Alps?
Beyond ancestry, the study also examined physical traits. Earlier research had shown Ötzi had dark hair and brown eyes. Analysis of six well-preserved genomes from his neighbors revealed similar features. Like Ötzi, these individuals were also lactose intolerant.
The findings broaden understanding of prehistoric life in the Alps and highlight a striking case of genetic continuity in a region where Europe’s sweeping migrations left only faint marks.
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