In 2013 archaeologists were astonished by a discovery they made at the Kostenki 11 site. During rescue excavations a unique complex dating to the Upper Paleolithic was found. It contained the remains of an ancient dwelling surrounded by thousands of mammoth bones.
Complex 3 of the Kostenki 11 site
A discovery that overturned perceptions of the past!
Since 2014 a team of archaeologists led by Alexander Evgenyevich Dudin, the chief curator of the Kostenki Museum-Reserve, has been studying this unique find. The complex is a massive circular structure about 12.5 metres in diameter which, scientists believe, was part of a prehistoric settlement. At its base roughly 3,000 bones from at least 64 mammoths were discovered — a veritable bonanza of remains of ancient animals that once roamed the steppes.
Mammoth bones. Complex 3 of the Kostenki 11 site
The lives of ancient people through the lens of archaeology
The bones found at this site allow us to imagine how our ancestors lived. They are not only remnants of trophies but may also have been part of defensive or ritual structures.\r\n\r\nThe particular placement and shape of the dwelling, as well as its circular layout, indicate that it played an important role in the life and culture of ancient people. Archaeologists suggest that this structure could have served as shelter from bad weather, a place to store goods, or even a center for conducting rituals.
Mammoth bones. Complex 3 of the Kostenki 11 site
A new chapter in the museum's exhibition
This remarkable complex will become part of the renovated exhibition at the Kostenki Museum-Reserve. Visitors will be able to see fragments of the complex and learn more about the lives of ancient people.\r\n\r\nTo better feel the atmosphere, we recommend visiting the unique museum program 'Archaeological Novella'. It will immerse you in the research process and let you see with your own eyes the remains of those very mammoths: https://clck.ru/3DqE6r
