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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/401116
DePartMent HISTORY MacDirectory 27 500 Years Ago: 1514 BRITAIN BUILDS LARGEST WARSHIP The Henry Grace à Dieu (Henry Grace of God), or the "Great Henry" was an English carrack, better known as a "great ship". Ordered by King Henry VIII of England, she weighed close to 1,500 tons, and was manned with 1,000 sailors. Her forecastle, or upper forward area, towered four decks high with a stern, or rear castle two decks high. Stretched to 165 feet, she mounted 43 heavy guns and 141 light guns, making the "Great Henry" the largest and most powerful warship in Europe. Sailing into any port, this vessel would be a presence in itself, but it became apparent she was top heavy and rolled heavily in rough seas. Her poor stability also affected gun accuracy and fighting performance. Sailing back into dry docks, she underwent significant remodeling trimming her hull height and reducing gun mounts. At a trim 1000 tons, with only 152 guns and a new innovative sail configuration, the "Great Henry" launched as a leaner fighting vessel, yet with the cannon power for broadside fighting. 5000 Years Ago: Around 3100 B.C.E. ÖTZI THE ICEMAN He traveled alone, crossing the Otzal Alps near the current Italian-Austrian border. With an arrowhead in his left shoulder, this wanderer may have tried to escape pursuing enemies but loss of blood probably weakened his stamina and he died. Flash forward 5,000 years, and one sunny day two hikers stumbled onto the frozen remains of Ötzi the Iceman. Around 45 years old, at 5 foot 3 inches and weighing approximately 110 pounds, Ötzi lived during the Copper Age. Self-sufficient, he carried a first aid kit, a copper axe, dagger, bow, and a full set of clothing. Living in a high mountain village, Ötzi's copper axe established him as an influential community figure. Further investigation revealed a deep unhealed wound to Ötzi's head caused by hand-to-hand combat, and a severe blow to the back of the head, most likely from an attack or fall. Yet his loss was archeology's gain, as current scientists at the Institute for Anatomy of Innsbruck University relish this opportunity to glimpse life 5,000 years ago.