Andreas Pernerstorfer initially mistook a bone fragment for wood during renovations in his cellar in Gobelsburg, northwest of Vienna. Upon further investigation, he realized the significance of the discovery and contacted researchers. The Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) subsequently excavated the site, unearthing an estimated 300 bones belonging to at least three individual mammoths. The discovery marks an unprecedented opportunity to study mammoth remains in Austria using modern scientific techniques.
A comparable discovery was made in a neighboring cellar 150 years ago, leading researchers to believe that the two cellars may be situated on an ancient site with significant archaeological value. The OeAI team is meticulously excavating the bones and analyzing associated artifacts, such as stone tools and charcoal, to unravel the mysteries surrounding the mammoths’ presence and the potential role of humans in their demise.
The researchers speculate that the mammoths may have been hunted by humans, as evidenced by stone artifacts and charcoal found in the vicinity. Further investigations aim to shed light on the hunting techniques employed by prehistoric humans and their interactions with these majestic creatures. The discovery of these mammoth bones in an Austrian wine cellar is a testament to the rich and often unexpected archaeological treasures that lie beneath our feet.
