Lake Selyava, where one of the oldest residential complexes ever found in Belarus. Credit: Solidest / CC BY-SA 4.0
A team of archaeologists in Belarus has unearthed what may be the oldest evidence of human settlement in the country, pushing the timeline of habitation back hundreds of thousands of years.
The latest excavations near the village of Ogovo and underwater work at Lake Selyava have led researchers to conclude that the first humans appeared in the region around 400,000 years ago—a major prehistoric discovery in Belarus that sheds new light on Eastern Europe’s ancient past.
The Ogovo site has proven especially significant. Excavations revealed artifacts including beads, bracelets, and pottery fragments, indicating the presence of a culturally advanced Neolithic community.
Researchers say the craftsmanship displayed in these items suggests early humans not only developed complex tools but also engaged in trade and daily rituals that reflected organized social behavior.
Burial mounds offer social and anthropological insight
In a separate excavation in the Kruglyansky District, archaeologists explored burial mounds near the village of Ozery.
The remains of a young woman, believed to be between 18 and 30 years old, were found alongside two children—an eight-year-old and an infant. Experts state that the site offers essential information about burial practices, health, and social structures in ancient Belarusian communities.
⛏️Más de 170 permisos para realizar investigaciones arqueológicas fueron otorgados en Belarús en 2025.
En los próximos planes está el estudio del monumento único y mundialmente famoso, el asentamiento más antiguo de Belarús, Ogovo, ubicado en el distrito de Ivanovo.
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Beyond land-based discoveries, the archaeological team has expanded its focus to underwater exploration. At the Krivinsky peat bog, located on Lake Selyava, researchers faced harsh conditions due to shifting water levels.
Still, the clear water enabled detailed studies beneath the surface. More than two meters (6.5 feet) of dense peat concealed well-preserved organic materials, including remnants of Neolithic dwellings.
Experts say such preservation is rare in Europe and offers a nearly intact view of prehistoric domestic life.
Lake Selyava yields rare organic remains and ancient tools
Sergey Linevich, a senior researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, stated the Lake Selyava site represents one of the oldest residential complexes ever found in the country. According to Linevich, the objects recovered—including bone ornaments and tools made from stone and bone—provide insight into the skills and resources of ancient populations.
Additional discoveries in the Krupsky District revealed tools from both the Stone Age and the Iron Age. Among them was a polished stone axe, uncovered in a small test pit measuring just over one square meter (10.7 square feet). Archaeologists described the find as exceptionally rare and valuable for understanding tool-making techniques and daily life in prehistoric times.
As interest in these findings grows, so do concerns over the protection of archaeological sites. Authorities are now considering restrictions on the private use of metal detectors to prevent unauthorized digging and looting. Researchers argue that unregulated activity could threaten the integrity of sites like Ogovo and the Krivinsky bog, which are critical for ongoing study.
From buried settlements to submerged relics, the growing body of evidence continues to redefine the story of human life in Belarus. As each layer is uncovered, the prehistoric discovery in Belarus offers a deeper connection to the roots of European civilization.