Where is the Afontova Gora archaeological site located?
The Afontova Gora complex sits on the left bank of the Yenisey River near Krasnoyarsk, Russia. This Late Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic culture occupies south-central Siberia.
Questions about Afontova Gora
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Ivan Savenkov first excavate the Afontova Gora III site?
Ivan Savenkov first excavated the site in 1884 at what is now known as Afontova Gora III. Mining activities disturbed this specific layer during the late 1880s.
What human fossils were discovered at Afontova Gora II between 1912 and 1914?
G.P. Sosnovsky, N.K. Auerbach, and V.I. Gromov discovered the first human fossils there in 1924 after beginning work in 1912. Two individuals known as AG2 and AG3 were stored in the Hermitage Museum for decades.
How old are the artifacts found in Layer 3 of Afontova Gora II?
Layer 3 produced over 20,000 artifacts including 450 tools and 250 osseous items that date back thousands of years before the present. These bone, antler, and ivory objects represent a significant portion of the cultural evidence.
Which population do Tarim mummies primarily descend from according to the 2021 genetic study?
A 2021 genetic study found that Tarim mummies were primarily descended from a population represented by AG3. The genetic profile of Afontova Gora 3 accounted for about 72% of their ancestry.