Year 7 Humanities - Source Analysis

Otzi the Iceman

1. Based on the A3 source analysis, where and when was Otzi discovered? [1 Mark]

Otzi was discovered on the border of Italy and Austria in 1991, face down in ice. 1/1 (Good use of
evidence)

2. Examine Source E. What information does this source reveal about Otzi and his way of
life? [3 Marks]

From his belongings, we can find out more about Otzi’s lifestyle. He had over 400 items found near
him, including weapons, tools and clothing items. These items can tell us information by how worn
they are, their uses, and the materials they’re made of, such as animal skins. (While you have
explained generally how sources can inform us of lifestyle this question is asking for
specific examples of sources and how they can tell you about what Otzi did such as “Was
he a hunter?”.

3. Examine Source B. What does this source tell us about Otzi and his community? [2
Marks]

Otzi had a bearskin hat, which was a sign of status, and possibly wealth. It also means that Otzi
and his community were a strong one, as they somehow managed to kill a bear, which was no easy
feat. 2/2 (An interesting inference and conclusion based on the evidence)

4. Using Source A and Source D and your knowledge, what do the pieces of evidence
suggest about the circumstances of Otzi’s death? [3 Marks]

Otzi probably died from the wound in his shoulder. Otzi was found face down in a glacier, with an
arrow wound in his shoulder, which suggests that that was the cause of death considering that
there were no other fatal injuries that he had. 1/3 (An interesting comment, just remember for
next time please can you include 3 points of information if the question is out of 3 marks)

5. Compare Source B and Source F. What are the key similarities and differences of these
two artefacts? [2 Marks]

The key similarities of these two artefacts are that they are both belongings of Otzi’s, they are both
made of (or contain) bearskin, and they are both items of clothing. The major difference is that one
had to be remade because it was damaged, but the hat was mostly undamaged. 2/2 (A well-
reasoned conclusion to make, good use of compare and contrast skills from last week)

6. With reference to all 6 sources, explain what life was like during the Copper Age [6 Marks]
 Otzi was found on the border of Italy and Austria with over 400 artefacts. This tells us about the
type of tools and weapons that people in that area 3500 years ago used. His injury also tells us
more about the weapons used, because we can tell that it was probably not uncommon to carry
weapons as both he and his unknown attackers had weapons. Otzi had other tools in his survival
kit as well, such as medicinal plants and even a needle. This tells us more about the medical
advancements in the Copper Age. His body tells us about what type of food was eaten in his time.
(this is technically correct and you have made interesting points, but you need to use
specific references to sources and your response needs to focus more broadly on the
Copper Age rather than just Otzi)

Comment: On the whole, this task demonstrates to me that you are developing your analysis skills I
can see that you are demonstrating skills learnt through the week and are beginning to know and
understand how to analyse sources. However moving forward I would like to see you working on
including specific references to the sources and expanding on your analysis skills, especially on the
last question, nonetheless, a great start. Good Job!