Otzi update! I have found his story fascinating, have followed it for years. A few tidbits picked up along the way. Every copper axe ever found was polished to almost a mirror sheen, so they must have been high status items. They also weren't very practical, they would quickly soften and deform if used for more than a few minutes, copper is just too soft for a practical axe. Also, Otzi had over a dozen tools and implements made of wood. And each and every one was made out of the type of wood best suited for the tool in question. They may have been "primitive," but they weren't stupid and had a wealth of practical knowlege about the world they lived in. [theness.com]
8
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
4 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.
Stone axes are useful for more than a few minutes. Why would people have transitioned to copper if it was less durable? I must be missing something here
CraeftSmith
Level 7
June 23, 2018
0
@Druvius I really have to wonder if the researchers are using the axes correctly. If you hammer copper, it gets harder and more brittle.
well everybody wants the latest phone etc no matter if its a huge step up from last or not probably the same in antiquity
The one thing that many people forget when talking about Ötzi and our Neolithic ancestors is that while they might not have had the wealth of knowledge and technical expertise that we have amassed since, they were human beings and every bit as intelligent as us.
Jnei
Level 8
June 22, 2018
3