Archaeologists unearth remnants of a mystifying ice-bound monarch, believed to have perished over a thousand years past.
In October 2021, archaeologists unveiled the results of their extensive research into the tomb and remains of a boy known as the "Ice Prince," a 7th-century AD figure buried in Bavaria. The tomb, initially discovered at a construction site, underwent full excavation and examination only this year.
This ancient Roman burial site took an innovative approach to preserve its contents. Instead of traditional excavation methods, scientists froze the tomb with liquid nitrogen, extracting it as a single ice block. This method prevented the formation of deposits over centuries, preserving fragile organic materials like silk, leather, and wood.
Once extracted, the frozen block made its way to a cryogenic laboratory, where it was stored until controlled thawing began. Upon thawing, archaeologists could study the unique artifacts they had unearthed.
The boy, who died between 670 and 680 AD at the age of 1.5, was found to have blue eyes and fair hair through DNA analysis. Isotopic analysis revealed that he lived his entire life in this region. His cause of death was sepsis due to an ear infection. Today, modern medicine could potentially treat such an infection with antibiotics.
The boy belonged to a noble and influential family with significant wealth. Traces of lavish materials, such as Byzantine silk, silver, and expert craftsmanship, concentrated in his funeral items. His family erected a monumental building over the former Roman estate, an uncommon practice in the stone-sparse era.
The boy was laid to rest on fur, dressed in leather shoes, pants, and a linen shirt with long sleeves. He wore silver bracelets and shoes adorned with silver spurs. A short sword in a leather sheath, adorned with gold filigree, was attached to his belt.
At the foot of the tomb, various ritual items were discovered—a bronze basin with a comb, a wooden bowl, and a drinking vessel. Food remains, including hazelnuts, apples, and a pear, as well as piglet bones—originally mistaken for dog bones —were also found. These items reflect ancient traditions of ritual feasts where participants washed their hands, combed their hair, then ate and drank from special vessels.
Archaeologists concluded that the building containing the tomb was rebuilt more than once following the burial, serving as a lasting place of remembrance and reverence for decades, if not longer.
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In light of the medical conditions exhibited in the "Ice Prince"'s remains, modern health-and-wellness practices could have potentially mitigated his untimely death caused by an ear infection. The valuable artifacts discovered in the boy's tomb, including Byzantine silk and silver, serve as tangible evidence of the advanced science and medical-conditions understanding in the 7th-century AD society.
