Alpine DNA in Focus: Confirmation of Early Ötzi Findings

A research team led by Myriam Croze recently published in the scientific journal Nature Communications a comprehensive DNA analysis (47 individuals) of skeletal remains from the Trentino-South Tyrol region, dating from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age.

Connection to Ötzi
In 2023, Ötzi’s genome had been newly sequenced: it revealed that he was primarily descended from migrants from Anatolia who introduced farming to Europe (Neolithic Revolution). He had little genetic connection to the earlier local hunter-gatherers.

The study by Croze et al. now provides the regional context: the genetic traits observed in Ötzi were not an isolated case but appear to have been widespread among the Copper Age Alpine population.

Elisabeth Vallazza, director of the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, comments on the study:

“The genetic traits of Ötzi – descent from early farmers, lactose intolerance – fit well with the regional genetic picture. It would of course be desirable to study more individuals from this period, which would help refine our understanding. Unfortunately, Ötzi’s contemporaries are archaeologically difficult to trace in our region.”

Photo: Reconstruction of Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology  © South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology / Kennis / foto-dpi.com