Ancient Discovery: Düsseldorf Resident Uncovers Mammoth Tooth Along the Rhine

A resident of Düsseldorf has made a remarkable discovery along the banks of the Rhine River, unearthing a molar from a mammoth that is estimated to be between 15,000 and 125,000 years old. The find was made by Rustam Wagner, an amateur archaeologist, who reported his discovery to the authorities in accordance with local regulations.

The four-kilogram molar, measuring approximately 30 centimeters, is noted for its unusually good state of preservation, according to Philipp Schulte, a geoarchaeologist with the LVR Office for Archaeological Heritage in Bonn. Schulte indicated that the tooth likely remained submerged in water, which helped prevent its deterioration.

Wagner, who has been hunting for historical artifacts along the Rhine for several years, expressed his enthusiasm for the pursuit, stating that he has previously uncovered items from the Roman and Celtic eras, as well as coins and other relics. His latest find, located directly across from the Düsseldorf television tower, initially puzzled him until he identified it as a mammoth tooth. He remarked that many people might have overlooked such an artifact.

This discovery adds to a series of significant finds in the region, including a mammoth tusk uncovered during the construction of a subway line in Düsseldorf back in 2012, as well as another mammoth tooth discovered in Gelsenkirchen the same year.

The mammoth tooth is currently being prepared for display at the Ruhr Museum in Essen, where experts will work to stabilize it and prevent further decay. The unique characteristics of the tooth, including the distinct grooves on its surface, provide valuable insights into the prehistoric fauna that once roamed the area.

As interest in archaeology continues to grow, finds like Wagner's serve as a reminder of the rich history lying beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered.