Researchers have found an exceptionally large structure from the ice age made from the bones of woolly mammoths. The structure dating back around thousands of years is present in Russia. Not only that, but it is also the oldest known structure of its type. So far, researchers have not found the purpose behind the development of such a facility. While functioning at the Kostenki 11 site, neighboring Don River close to the Russian city of Voronezh, researchers have discovered the colossal one. Surprisingly, round structures made up of mammoth bones are ordinary in the paleontological record. Even more, it is not the first time scientists have unearthed a large house in Russia. But it is the largest and oldest, one which measures 41 feet.
A long time ago, in 1960, scientists discovered the same types of smaller buildings at the site. At the time, they have had named the structure as Kostenki 11. Later in 2014, scientists found proof of this house at the site, following which they started excavation. It took around three years to reveal the outcomes detailed in a study published in the journal Antiquity. Depending on former findings, scientists surmise Palaeolithic people might have built those structures to stay. Those houses might have protected the people from harsh winters as Ice Age winters probably had lows reaching negative four degrees Fahrenheit.
Well, developing such a large structure using hundreds of mammoth bones would have required much time. So it is surprising to consider that communities of hunter-gatherers not at all spent more time at one location. The leading author of the study Alexander Pryor said mammoth bones are extremely heavy. He noted developing the circular structure signifies a massive investment of energy and time by the people who have had built it. As per the study, the bones made a continuous circle having no apparent entrance. Up to now, the scientists have recognized 64 skulls and over 50 mammoth mandibles. Inside the circular structure, they have also discovered that Palaeolithic people have had burned wood inside it. Above all, the researchers have not found marks of long-term residence inside the house.
