Russian Family Hid in Siberian Wilderness for 40 Years Unaware of Modern Developments. Here's Why.

The world was shocked when they heard the tale of the Lykovs, a family who broke all contact with human civilization to stay in the Siberian wilderness. The family was discovered in 1978, by a group of Soviet geologists, Smithsonian Magazine reported. They initially encountered the patriarch Karp Lykov who invited them into his family home. Thereafter the geologists came face to face with two scared girls, who were later identified as Karp Lykov's daughters. Slowly the geologists and later the whole world became aware of the arduous journey, the family had undertaken to protect themselves and their faith. 

The Lykov Family in Siberia

The Lykov family established their settlement around the Sayan mountains, The Guardian reported. Karp Lykov escaped to these mountains to protect himself from Joseph Stalin’s religious persecution in 1936. The Soviet leader launched an attack on the Russian Orthodox churches and specifically targeted the clergy, HISTORY reported. Many faithful followers resisted the attacks and found ways to protect their religion. Lykov family did something similar, Smithsonian Magazine reported. After seeing his brother being killed in front of his eyes, he packed up his family and shifted to the wilderness. He was accompanied by his wife, Akulina Lykov, son Savin Laykov, and daughter Natalia Lykov. In 1940 and 1944, the couple welcomed two more children, a boy named Dmitry Lykov and a girl named Agafia Lykov.

The family slowly warmed to the geologists and began talking with them, The Guardian reported. The geologists gave them an update on the world. The Lykovs became aware of Stalin's era being over and Russia establishing itself as an industrial powerhouse. The geologists learned that Akulina Lykov had breathed her last due to starvation in 1961, Smithsonian Magazine reported. The geologists noted the tough conditions in which the family was surviving in the remote region. Their garden was in constant danger of being attacked by wild animals and the prospect of meat was also scarce because of the lack of tools. Russian authorities offered them an escape from the conditions and reentry into society, but the family chose to remain in their familiar surroundings. 

Lykov Family Stays Away from Civilization

Soon after the contact with geologists multiple family members of the Lykov family passed away, Smithsonian Magazine reported. In 1981, Savin and Natalia Lykov died of kidney ailments, likely because of the harsh diet they had to endure over the years. Dmitry Lykov breathed his last because of Pneumonia, an infection he could have received from the new visitors in 1978. Agafia and Karp Lykov were all that was left of this family and were again offered a chance to go back into civilization. Both declined, though Agafia Lykov agreed to a trip. "It’s scary out there," Agafia said regarding human civilization, Vice reported. "You can’t breathe. There are cars everywhere. There is no clean air. Each car that passes by leaves so many toxins in the air. You have no other option but to stay at home."

The Last Lykov

Karp Lykov departed the world in his sleep on February 16, 1988, Smithsonian Magazine reported. Since then, Agafia Lykov has been living alone in the remote settlement. The woman leans on her faith when it comes to surviving in the world, The Guardian reported. "A Christian can never be lonely. Every Christian has their guardian angel as well as Christ and the Apostles. I have an icon that has been blessed. I am never lonely as I always have Christ with me," she said. The woman takes care of her diet by growing potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, and other vegetables on a small patch of land attached to her home. On being asked about the change, contact with human society had brought in her life, she replied, "Back then we had no salt.”