Scientists found that the North Caucasus was inhabited by Neanderthals

Russian archaeologists have determined that the North Caucasus was inhabited by Neanderthals on both sides. One group of ancient people came here from Eastern Europe and the other from Southwest Asia. 

According to the Russian Scientific Foundation, scientists from the ANO «Laboratory of Prehistory» (Saint Petersburg) explored two sites of Neanderthals. This is the Mezmayskaya cave, located in the North-West Caucasus near Maykop, and the grotto Saraj-Chuko in the Elbrus region. In the grotto, our ancient ancestors were most active during the period of warming - about 90 thousand years ago.

Our results indicate that in the Middle Paleolithic, two culturally different populations of Neanderthals came to the North Caucasus from two regions: the Armenian Highlands and the Lesser Caucasus on one side and Eastern Europe on the other. As a result, in this territory today we find archaeological finds of two different cultures, conventionally "western" and "eastern" which could contact and exchange tools», - told ANO «Laboratory of prehistory».

Последние новости
Tbilisi and Brussels Exchange Accusations Over Legal Proceedings to Ban Opposition
Politics
Tbilisi and Brussels Exchange Accusations Over Legal Proceedings to Ban Opposition
20 October 2026

The Georgian Foreign Ministry has criticized statements made by the European Union regarding legal proceedings that could lead to the banning of five opposition parties. The ministry issued its response following comments made on October 19 by European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand.
Friend of missing Chechen woman fined 150,000 rubles in Grozny
Human rights
Friend of missing Chechen woman fined 150,000 rubles in Grozny
20 October 2026

The Akhmatovsky District Court of Grozny has imposed a fine of 150,000 rubles on Lena Patyayeva, who has been campaigning for an investigation into the abduction and disappearance of her friend, Seda Suleymanova—a native of Chechnya. This was announced by the court’s press service.
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
News
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026, the State Council of Tatarstan approved the appointment of Colonel General Alexander Lapin as deputy prime minister of the republic. Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov signed the appointment decree the same day. Lapin had previously been appointed acting deputy prime minister on 29 September 2026.
The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
Politics
The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
19 October 2026

On October 17, a photo exhibition opened in Rome as part of a "World Without Mines" campaign, organized by the Azerbaijani public association "Gilavar Photo Club." The exhibition focuses on the threat posed by landmines following the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia—a threat for which the organizers hold Yerevan responsible.