Archaeologist’s Day: a new species of ancient human at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition
Archaeologist’s Day is celebrated annually on 15 August. It is a holiday for those who are passionate about studying and searching for tangible historical sources.
There are several versions of the history of its origin. The most popular is that this date is connected to the birthday of the outstanding scientist Tatyana Passek. Initially, the day was widely celebrated only within her own expedition, and later her colleagues also began to mark it.
At the "Journey Across Russia" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA, visitors can see a display showing the work of archaeologists and their discoveries that are important for history.
In Denisova Cave, located in the Altai region, scientists from the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences made a groundbreaking discovery — they found a species of ancient human that science had not previously known about. The most significant find was a tiny phalanx of the little finger of a girl aged six or seven.
"This research rewrote the entire history of human evolution: it turned out that, in addition to the known Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons, there was a third, previously unknown species of ancient human — the Denisovan. At our exposition, you can see a multimedia screen depicting this human, as well as learn interesting facts about them," said Dmitry Lesnykh, a guide at the National Centre RUSSIA.
In 2023, Novosibirsk archaeologists presented the results of excavations carried out in Denisova Cave. In layers of deposits dating back to the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic, they discovered 2,454 stone tools, as well as ornaments: a pendant made from the tooth of a Siberian ibex, and beads made from mammoth ivory and ostrich eggshell.
Admission to the "Journey Across Russia" exposition is free of charge as part of guided tours, which are organised by prior registration on the russia.ru website in the "Events" section.
