Unearthing a Mammoth Mystery

A Monumental Structure of Mammoth Bones

In Kostenki, Russia, archaeologists have uncovered a massive 40-foot diameter structure made from the bones of at least 60 woolly mammoths. Built 25,000 years ago during the Ice Age, its purpose remains unclear but offers clues about survival in extreme conditions.

Practical and Ritual Significance

Fires burned inside the structure, leaving behind charcoal and vegetable remnants. Surrounding pits containing mammoth bones suggest food storage. However, the grandeur of the structure hints it may have had ceremonial importance as well.

Unanswered Questions

How did Ice Age humans acquire so many mammoth bones? Some were transported with soft tissue intact, suggesting early access to carcasses. Scientists debate whether they hunted the mammoths or scavenged remains from mass death sites.

A Unique Glimpse Into the Ice Age

This discovery is the largest of its kind and differs significantly from smaller “mammoth houses” previously found in Eastern Europe. The site highlights the ingenuity of humans, who adapted to their harsh environment using the resources available to them.

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