NOVA: Iceman Reborn

NOVA: Iceman Reborn

Wed, 02/17/2016 - 9:00pm

Artist Gary Staab begins the process of replicating Otzi The Iceman Mummy

Credit: Courtesy of Bonnie Brennan / WGBH

New revelations about the ancient ice mummy, Otzi, shed light on the dawn of civilization in Europe.

He was stalked, attacked and left to die alone. Murdered more than 5,000 years ago, Otzi the Iceman is Europe’s oldest known natural mummy. Miraculously preserved in glacial ice, his remarkably intact remains continue to provide scientists, historians, and archeologists with groundbreaking discoveries about a crucial time in human history. But in order to protect him from contamination, this extraordinary body has been locked away, out of reach, in a frozen crypt – until now.

NOVA joins renowned artist and paleo-sculptor Gary Staab as he has been granted rare access into the Iceman’s frozen lair. Gary has been charged with creating an exact replica of the mummy, which scientists and the public alike can then study up close and in person. As we see the Iceman reborn from 3D printing, resin, clay and paint, new revelations about Otzi’s life and legacy come to light, including surprising secrets hidden in his genetic code.

NOVA: Iceman Reborn airs Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.