The Iceman, also known as Ötzi, is a well-preserved natural mummy from the Copper Age found in the Alps. The artifacts discovered alongside him provide significant insights into his life and the technologies of his time.
The correct answer relates to the absence of a fishing rod among the items that were excavated. Ötzi was found with a variety of tools that indicate he was equipped for survival in his environment, including a dagger for defense and a tinder kit for starting fires, which suggests an understanding of the technology required for survival. He also carried a backpack frame, which was essential for transporting his belongings.
In contrast, a fishing rod would not have been a necessary item for someone whose life revolved around the hunting and gathering practices typical of his era. The required skills and tools likely relied more on traps and spears for securing food, fitting the context of his lifestyle. Hence, the identification of the fishing rod as the item that was not carried by the Iceman is based on understanding the practical needs and the tools associated with the period in which he lived.