The honest answer is that the evidence does not currently distinguish among these scenarios, and multiple factors likely contributed.

What is clear is that she represents a chapter of the European story that ended without continuation — an early modern human presence on the continent that did not persist into the present.

The Heritage of the Bohemian Karst

The Koněprusy Caves where Zlatý kůň’s remains were found are today a tourist site, drawing visitors who come to see the limestone formations that have been developing underground for millions of years.

Guided tours pass through the main chambers and passages, past stalactites and stalagmites, past the display cases that include information about the cave’s history and the prehistoric remains found within it.