Modern human settlement in Ukraine and its vicinity dates back to 32,000 BCE, with later evidence of the Gravettian culture in the Crimean Mountains.

One typical artifact of the industry, once considered diagnostic, is a small pointed blade with a straight blunt back, known as the Gravette point.

These are used to hunt big game including bison, horse, reindeer and mammoth.

Gravettians also use nets to hunt small game.

The origins of the Gravettian people are not clear; they seem to appear simultaneously all over Europe.