Remains of Neanderthal hunter-gatherer settlement uncovered in Turnov

Archaeologists in the Czech town have discovered a rare site dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period around 126,000 years ago.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 12.01.2025 14:36:00 (updated on 12.01.2025) Reading time: 2 minutes

Archaeologists in Turnov, located in the Czech Republic's Liberec Region, have uncovered the remains of an ancient Neanderthal hunter-gatherer settlement, offering a rare glimpse into the prehistoric era in the Czech lands.

Preliminary dating suggests the site dates back to the Middle Paleolithic period, around 126,000 to 115,000 years ago, during the Last Interglacial period. This discovery is significant for understanding the early history of the Bohemian Paradise area, according to Roman Sirovátka, an archaeologist at the Museum of the Bohemian Paradise in Turnov.

The discovery stands out due to its location. While several similar findings have been made in the region, they have all been in rocky environments, such as caves or overhangs. This site, however, is in an open landscape, marking it as a unique find. It was discovered at the site of a planned emergency services center in Turnov’s Vesecko district.

Features of the discovery

The team unearthed sunken structures, which they interpret as hearths, and some may also be remnants of shelters. Although further analysis is required, these initial findings suggest that the site could have been a more permanent settlement for a group of Neanderthals.

In addition to the structures, archaeologists found a jasper scraper and other small flint tools, which have helped to confirm the preliminary dating of the site. According to Sirovátka, the analysis of these samples will continue throughout the year, with laboratory tests expected to provide further insights into the age and use of the site.

The region surrounding the site would have been covered by a forest during the Middle Paleolithic. The exact nature of the settlement—whether it was a short-term or permanent hunter-gatherer station—remains speculative.

However, based on the number of objects found, it is likely that the site supported a group of 15 to 20 individuals, living in a more established camp. The full extent of the site has yet to be determined, as the area excavated thus far is only part of the original site.

Future of the site and further research

While the excavation has concluded, the analysis will continue, with scientists examining the gathered samples in laboratories to gain a deeper understanding of the site's age and usage.

The discovery is one of many recent archaeological finds in the Czech Republic, which have also included a large Bronze Age burial site in Moravia and a 7,000 year-old structure outside of Prague.

Although the land surrounding the Turnov excavation site is primarily agricultural, it is not currently slated for development, meaning that the full size of the Neanderthal settlement may never be fully known. Additional information about the discovery can be found from the Museum of the Bohemian Paradise in Turnov.

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