Mammoth hunting camp discovered in Ústí nad Labem
Archaeologists in Ústí nad Labem in northern Bohemia have made a unique discovery: a mammoth hunting camp from the Old Stone Age. The site, covered with thousands of animal bones, includes remains of at least 13 woolly mammoths and other Pleistocene fauna, along with artefacts crafted by prehistoric people.
The discovery was made last November during preventive archaeological research at the future site of the Judicial Palace. This week, archaeologists presented their findings to the public. According to experts, around 20,000 years ago, this area was a gorge used by mammoth hunters.
Petr Lissek from the Institute for Preservation of Archaeological Heritage of Northwest Bohemia, who is heading the research, explains:
“This was a mammoth hunters' campsite, where animals were processed. We found evidence of bone chipping and breaking, as prehistoric people used every part—meat, fat, and bones.”
The excavation is ongoing, but archaeologists already regard this as one of the most significant sites of its kind in the country. Among the key discoveries are distinctive chipped stone tools, which help date the site to the Early Paleolithic period, specifically the Gravettian culture—an era characterized by advanced hunting techniques and sophisticated tool-making.
Mr. Lissek compares the site to more famous locations in South Moravia:
“This site belongs to the same period as the famous South Moravian sites like Dolní Věstonice and Pavlov. It dates back to the time when artefacts such as the Venus of Věstonice were created, objects that are recognized worldwide.”
Woolly mammoths were slightly larger than modern African elephants, with massive curved tusks. However, prehistoric hunters preferred to target smaller specimens, says Mr. Lissek:
“If we could see the animals they hunted, we might be surprised. From a strategic standpoint, they primarily focused on younger animals that had strayed from the herd, as they were easier to catch. They also hunted older individuals that were slower and more vulnerable.”
In addition to mammoth bones, the archaeologists also uncovered deer remains and a tooth from a prehistoric woolly rhino.
This is already the second mammoth-related find in Ústí nad Labem. The first was made in 2006, when mammoth remains were discovered at Mírové náměstí square. These discoveries highlight the region’s role as a key area for Ice Age human activity.
Research, including the preservation and documentation of the findings, will continue for several months before construction of the CZK 2.25 billion judicial complex begins in the north Bohemian town.
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