New mammoth bone fragments were discovered during archaeological excavations carried out by the Brussels Metropolitan Authority at the Toots Thielemans metro station construction site in Brussels, Belgium.
Zoological archaeologist at the Royal Belgian Academy of Natural Sciences Bea De Cupere said there was a femur and a piece of ivory along with the antlers and lower jaw of a red deer or megaloceros. .
According to this expert, this is a rare discovery because these artifacts were discovered at a depth of 8-9m in sediment layers originating from the last ice age (about 120,000 to 11,700 years ago). .
In the absence of related artifacts, only using radiocarbon dating can give a more accurate date.
The skeletons are being analyzed at the urban archeology laboratory and will soon be sent to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences for accurate identification and appropriate treatment for preservation.
Before that, the last prehistoric discoveries were recorded in 2018. A piece of mammoth tusk was found during the construction of a parking lot on Quatrecht street in the Schaerbeek district, Brussels.
Once these analyzes have been conducted and protective measures have been implemented, the Brussels Metropolitan Authority will begin reviewing the display with the aim of introducing it to the wider public.
Organizing such excavation works is not uncommon. Archaeological studies are regularly carried out by the Brussels Metropolitan Authority throughout the entire Brussels capital region.
The goal is to uncover and preserve part of the archaeological treasures that can be discovered but are also at risk of being quickly destroyed during construction or construction projects.
Secretary of State for Brussels Heritage Ans Persoons announced that the discovery of mammoth bones dating back more than 11,000 years in the ground of Brussels is a rare and special event.
Thanks to the archaeological work carried out by the Brussels Metropolitan Authority in various projects, not only archaeological treasures related to human history but also the fauna and flora of the region were discovered.
This is an opportunity to better understand the past, the territory’s history and introduce artifacts to the public.