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Around 34,000 years ago, two boys aged about 10 and 12 were buried side by side at the Upper Paleolithic site of Sunghir, east of modern-day Moscow. Both showed signs of physical disabilities, yet their burial was unlike anything else found at the site.

Archaeologists discovered the boys were laid to rest with more than 10,000 mammoth ivory beads, over 20 armbands, around 300 pierced fox teeth, 16 mammoth ivory spears, carved objects, antlers, and even human leg bones placed across their chests. Strangely, the adults buried nearby were given far fewer grave goods.

The discovery suggests that even 34,000 years ago, some children held extraordinary social or symbolic importance within their communities.