A surprising archaeological discovery has captured the attention of researchers after construction workers in the Czech Republic stumbled upon an ancient Neanderthal settlement, estimated to be between 126,000 and 115,000 years old. The site was uncovered in Northern Bohemia during excavation work for an emergency telephone center, revealing evidence of a long-lost prehistoric community.
A Rare Window into the Middle Paleolithic Era
Archaeologists from the Bohemian Paradise Museum in Turnov made the discovery while conducting rescue excavations at the construction site. The findings, unearthed between late October and early November last year, include around 40 artifacts that provide valuable insight into Neanderthal life during the Middle Paleolithic period.
Roman Sirovátka, one of the lead archaeologists on the project, described the significance of the find:
"We discovered trenches filled with charcoal and burned earth, which suggests they were used as fire pits. Additionally, we found numerous stone tools and remains of shelters. By analyzing soil samples from the site, we can start reconstructing the natural environment that surrounded it."
According to Sirovátka, the site likely served as a temporary camp for Neanderthal hunter-gatherers. The dating is based on the discovery of tools, such as a jasper scraper and other small artifacts.
"The area was buried beneath a river terrace of sand and gravel, concealed under a layer of yellow calcareous clay. This sediment was deposited during the late Ice Age, which is why we are quite certain the site dates back to the Middle Paleolithic. The settlement must have existed at least 110,000 years ago," he explained.
A Unique Discovery in Central Europe
This marks the first known open-air Neanderthal settlement found in the Czech Republic—and possibly in Central Europe. Most previous discoveries of Neanderthal sites have been inside caves, making this an exceptional and rare find.
Sirovátka suggests that one reason such sites are rarely discovered is that excavations in geological deposits are typically not monitored by archaeologists. While the artifacts themselves provide limited details about their owners, researchers can reconstruct aspects of Neanderthal life by analyzing their environment and known behaviors.
"Neanderthals were hunter-gatherers, just like early Homo sapiens. They moved across the landscape, hunting animals and foraging for berries and herbs. It remains unclear whether this was a permanent or temporary settlement. However, we are certain that during this time, the area was covered in forest—until the onset of the Ice Age, which wiped it out. At this stage, we cannot determine much more from the findings," Sirovátka concluded.
This groundbreaking discovery not only sheds light on Neanderthal life in the region but also opens up new avenues for research into how our ancient relatives adapted to their environment.
