Archaeologists Uncover Prehistoric Mammoth Remains
A team of archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) has made a remarkable discovery in Langmannersdorf an der Perschling, located in Lower Austria. Excavations at the site have uncovered the skeletal remains of at least five mammoths, shedding new light on human activity in the region during the Ice Age.
A Site of Historical Significance
The Langmannersdorf site has long been of interest to researchers. First identified in the early 20th century, previous excavations revealed evidence of two prehistoric hunting encampments and accumulations of mammoth remains dating back approximately 25,000 years. During this period, Central Europe was home to large herds of mammoths, which migrated through the Perschling Valley in search of grazing lands.
New Finds and Evidence of Butchering
Recent excavations have uncovered two new accumulations of mammoth bones located just 15 meters apart. The remains include at least five mammoths, along with stone tools and tusks showing signs of human processing. Evidence suggests that at least two of the mammoths were butchered on-site, while the other accumulation contains the remains of three mammoths, as well as both intact and cut tusks.
This discovery indicates that Ice Age hunters not only consumed mammoth meat but also utilized ivory for crafting tools, such as spearheads. The presence of dismembered tusks further supports the idea that ivory processing took place at the site.
Reconstructing an Ice Age Landscape
Image Credit : ÖAW-ÖAI/Marc Händel
To better understand the environmental and human conditions of the time, researchers have employed DNA analysis, stable isotope studies, radiometric dating, and paleodemographic modeling. These scientific methods are helping to reconstruct the prehistoric landscape, offering valuable insights into life before the peak of the last Ice Age.
This significant find at Langmannersdorf deepens our understanding of the interactions between Ice Age humans and the massive creatures they hunted for survival.
