It may come as a surprise to many that Neanderthals once lived in what is now Russia. Archaeological excavations confirm that these ancient people lived in various regions such as the remote Altai and Caucasus Mountains. Actually, one of the most interesting places where their remains were found is the Denisova Cave in Altai. In addition to the bones of ancient people, scientists managed to find tools they created, as well as the remains of animals that died at their hands. Yes, Neanderthals lived not only in Europe, and now you will see for yourself!
Neanderthal in Russia as represented by a neural network
Denisova Cave in Altai
Denisova Cavein the Altai Mountains is one of the most important places for studying ancient people, including Neanderthals. Although the cave is primarily known as a site for the discovery of Denisovans, traces of Neanderthals have also been found here. It was here that scientists found DNA confirming that Neanderthals and Denisovans not only lived side by side, but may have interacted, sharing the same territory for thousands of years.
Entrance to Denisova Cave. Image source: wikipedia.org
Neanderthals lived alongside Denisovans and even had sexual intercourse with them. Image source: nsk.kp.ru
One of the most amazing discoveries in Denisova Cave is a bone fragment belonging to the daughter of a Neanderthal and a Denisovan, which became direct evidence of their interbreeding. This suggests that the two species of ancient people could coexist in the same areas and may have even exchanged knowledge or technologies.
One of the “nostrils” of the Denisova Cave. Image source: drive2.ru
Jewelry found in Denisova Cave. Image source: drive2.ru
Scientists have established that Neanderthals lived in the Denisova Cave area about 200 thousand years agoand disappeared about 80 thousand years ago. At that time, Neanderthals used stone tools, hunted, and perhaps even created primitive jewelry – just like the Denisovans.
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Sukhaya Mechetka in Volgograd
Sukhaya Mechetka is a unique archaeological site located on the northern outskirts of Volgograd, in close proximity to the Volga. About 100 thousand years agoNeanderthals lived here and left behind valuable evidence of their era.
Photo from the excavation site, which began in 2021. Photo source: lenta.ru
The Neanderthal site was discovered in 1951 during the construction of a hydroelectric power station. During working hours, people accidentally stumbled upon ancient stone tools. Archaeologists conducted thorough excavations and confirmed that these artifacts actually belonged to ancient people.
Ancient artifacts are found in different layers of the earth. Photo source: volgograd-trv.ru
In total, scientists have discovered about 4,000 different stone tools: choppers, knife-like blades and points. In addition, archaeologists found the bones of animals hunted by Neanderthals: mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, bison and wild horses. Traces of hearths and remains of buildings suggest that ancient people built huts here, where they lived and cooked food.
Stone tools of ancient people. Image source: samotsvet.ru
Although no Neanderthal remains were found in Sukhaya Mechetka, the tools and animal bones that were found provide insight into the lives of these ancient people. The site is recognized as a monument of world significance, and the stone artifacts are kept in the Volgograd Regional Museum of Local History.
Unfortunately, today the site looks like this. Image source: wikimedia.org
In fairness, it should be noted that only local residents speak with certainty about living in this place. No remains that definitely belong to Neanderthals have been found. So it is possible that representatives of other species of ancient people lived at this site.
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Mezmayskaya Cave in Krasnodar Krai
What is beyond doubt is that Neanderthals lived in the Mezmayskaya Cave. This is a unique archaeological heritage site located in the Krasnodar region, where the remains of Neanderthals were discovered. It was here that the burial of a newborn Neanderthal, who lived about 89 thousand years ago, was discovered.
View of the river valley from a cave. Image source: wikipedia.org
Ancient human skeletonIt turned out to be one of the most complete and well-preserved specimens in the world, allowing scientists to conduct important genetic research, including participating in a project to decipher the Neanderthal genome.
Bone fragments of a Neanderthal child from the Mezmai cave. Image source: ppt-online.org
The cave is located in the picturesque foothills of the Caucasus at an altitude of over 1,300 meters. During its exploration, archaeologists discovered many remains of animals and tools, which gave them the opportunity to study the life of Neanderthals in Eurasia.
Neanderthals once lived near these majestic walls. Image source: treefrog.ru
Stone tools found in the cave showed that these ancient people had a highly developed stone processing technology, using obsidian and flint mined tens of kilometers away from the cave.
The Neanderthals who inhabited the Mezmayskaya Cave were experienced hunters who hunted large animals, such as primitive bison and mountain goats. The remains of these animals, along with fire pits and tools, were found in layers dating back to the Middle Paleolithic. This suggests that people returned to the cave many times, using it as a shelter for thousands of years.
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There are many more Neanderthal sites outside of Russia. In the course of their study, scientists learn many interesting details about their lives. For example, they can tell in detail what they ate and even what language they spoke.