"Archaeologists Unearth 8,000-Year-Old Fortress, Rewriting History"
Archaeologists have discovered what may be the world's oldest fortified site in Siberia, challenging the assumption that such structures were only built by agricultural societies. The site, known as Amnya, dates back around 8,000 years and features palisades, banks, and ditches. The prehistoric inhabitants of western Siberia were hunter-gatherers who exploited the abundant resources of the taiga environment, including fishing and hunting. The construction of fortified settlements in strategic locations overlooking rivers may have been influenced by competition for resources and the need for protection. The findings suggest that societal complexity and defensive structures were not exclusive to farming societies.