Death Theory #2: Robbery
- Many villagers back then were shepherds. Was Otzi a shepherd, too? Otzi had on a cloak and leggings that would have kept him warm in the Alps as he was moving his flock.
- During that time of year, it was common for shepherds to move their flock to pastures in the Alps. Was Otzi in the mountains at the time with his flock?
- Otzi had pollen in his stomach. This pollen is found in the spring on trees where shepherds commonly led their flocks. Was Otzi leading sheep through that pass?
- A one-inch arrowhead made from flint was found in the iceman's left shoulder. The arrowhead tore through the nerves and the blood vessels, shattering his shoulder blade and paralyzing his left arm. There are signs of heavy internal bleeding. Medical examiners have determined that the iceman died probably three hours after he was shot with the arrow and that his death was probably very painful.
- The robbers saw his flock and wanted it for their own profit. When Otzi saw the men coming after him, he ran away. Did the robbers pursue him and shoot him in the back with an arrow, kill him, and then take his sheep?