Yana Rhinoceros Horn Site, Archaeological site in northeastern Siberia, Russia
The Yana Rhinoceros Horn Site is an archaeological location along the Yana River in northeastern Siberia, extending across several kilometers on an elevated river terrace. Excavations have uncovered remains of human settlement including stone tools, bone artifacts, and personal ornaments.
Excavations beginning in 2001 revealed human settlements approximately 32,500 years old, making this one of the oldest known human sites in the far north. These discoveries transformed our understanding of when people first inhabited extreme Arctic environments.
The tools and bone items discovered here demonstrate that people thrived in extreme Arctic cold and possessed sophisticated crafting skills. Visitors can see evidence of how early inhabitants creatively used available materials in one of Earth's harshest environments.
The site is difficult to access and remains under active scientific study, so visits are limited and require advance planning. The harsh Arctic climate and remote location mean thorough preparation is essential for any trip.
Analysis of milk teeth uncovered specific genetic markers that provided fresh insights into early human migration patterns into the Arctic. These genetic findings connect the residents of this place to other ancient populations and tell a migration story spanning thousands of years.
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