archaeologist with grey curly hair wearing glasses black and white striped t shirt and blue medical gloves holding a tattered ancient leather shoe
Pierre-Yves Nicod holds the mystery traveler's 400-year-old shoe.
  • A hiker discovered the 400-year-old remains of a wealthy man on a glacier in the Swiss Alps.
  • Melting ice revealed the mysterious man had traveled with many coins, weapons, and possibly mules.
  • The discovery points to an ancient economy supported by dangerous routes through high mountain passes.

The Theodul Glacier was expanding when a mysterious man in thin leather shoes trekked across its surface about 400 years ago.