Recently, archaeologists made a surprising discovery in Siberia As they discover what is believed to be the oldest human settlement in the world.
Located in the Lower Ob region, the archaeological site known as Omnia dates back to the late 7th millennium BC, when humans lived mostly as hunters and gatherers.
Discoveries about ancient humans
This finding, which came as a result of excavations conducted between 1987 and 2000, revealed traces of a wooden fence surrounding the settlement, indicating the presence of a fortification.
Furthermore, residential pits were found inside and outside this wall, indicating a possible hierarchical structure in the local community.
The place where the castle used to be – Photo: E. Dubovtseva/Piezonka et al, Antiquity 2023/Reproduction
Recent excavations have added ten trenches to the site map, all surrounded by ravines and ditches.
Through carbon analysis of charcoal and traces of the wall, researchers were able to determine the age of the settlement and described it as the oldest known to date.
Building a wish, before similar structures in EuropeIt challenges the traditional idea that monumental architecture only appeared after the development of agriculture and the formation of complex societies.
Why the ancient inhabitants of Omnia built such a fortification remains a mystery.
However, research suggests that this phenomenon may be related to a period of global cooling, which began about 8,200 years ago and lasted for two thousand years.
Such a climate event may have intensified territoriality and conflicts between human groups in the region.
Another factor that may have influenced construction was the advent of ceramics during this period, which allowed the storage of high-calorie foods, such as fish oil. The need to protect these resources may have been the motivation for building the castle.
This discovery provides a new perspective on pre-agricultural life and suggests that it may not have been as peaceful as previously imagined.
The presence of such an ancient fortification suggests the possibility of a Community organized, with defensive strategies and greater social complexity than was assumed at the time.
