In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have uncovered the secrets of human adaptation to extreme cold in ancient Europe, shedding new light on the resourcefulness and resilience of our ancestors.
The Kammern-Grubgraben site, located in Austria , has provided valuable insights into how ancient humans adapted to the harsh winters of the last glacial period. Occupied by humans from approximately 24,000 to 20,000 years ago, this open-air site contains a vast array of tools, ornaments, artefacts, and stone structures that reveal the resourcefulness and resilience of our ancestors.
The site’s occupation is believed to have been dedicated to hunting reindeer for their fur, which would have provided essential warmth during the coldest periods. This shift in hunting strategies may have been a crucial adaptation to the extreme temperatures of the time. The abundance of tools and artefacts found at Kammern-Grubgraben suggests that the people who inhabited this site were highly skilled hunters, able to exploit the resources available to them.
During the last glacial maximum, the mean annual temperature in Europe was significantly lower than it is today. The climate was characterized by harsh winters and limited vegetation, making it an unforgiving environment for human habitation. The discovery of Kammern-Grubgraben offers a unique glimpse into how humans adapted to these conditions, highlighting their ability to survive and even thrive in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
The Kammern-Grubgraben site provides a fascinating window into human history, offering insights into the lives and adaptations of our ancient ancestors. The discovery of this site serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience that has always defined humanity, even in the face of extreme adversity.
- newscientist.com | Ancient camp shows how humans adapted to extreme cold in Europe
