Historiographical review of comprehensive study of the Upper Paleolithic site Sungir on the Klyazma river and its dwellers (brief archaeological and paleoanthropological overview)

The first time when one of the northernmost Upper Paleolithic sites in the East European plain was presented to the readers was in 1959. Since that time there have been many archaeological and anthropological studies. The recent years have also seen some genetic research of this small Upper Paleolithic population. Moreover, there are many articles and even books about taxonomic position of the Sungir people, their adaptation to northern conditions, life support and cultural development. This article represents a complete review of literature with description of interpretations and opinions of various scholars. As a result, we make a conclusion that the Sungir people belonged to the Homo sapiens taxon, were well-adapted to northern conditions and had complex funeral rites (since the children buried in the double grave were most probably relatives).