In 1965, a remarkable discovery was made in the village of Mezhyrich, Ukraine, when a farmer unearthed a mammoth jawbone while expanding his cellar. Further excavations revealed a stunning find: the remains of four ancient dwellings, constructed from the bones and tusks of mammoths. Dating back around 15,000 years, these mammoth-bone huts are among the oldest known shelters built by prehistoric humans.

The structures were formed in rough circular shapes, measuring between 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet) in diameter. Inside each dwelling, archaeologists found hearths in the center, as well as stone tools and other debris scattered throughout. The huts, likely covered with animal skins, were constructed to provide shelter against the harsh cold and extreme winds of the Ice Age, showcasing the resourcefulness and adaptability of early humans.

This discovery sheds light on the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors, who utilized the natural resources around them to build survival structures in some of Earth’s most unforgiving climates