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Ancient human face discovered in Spain: A milestone in European evolution

Thursday 13 March 2025 - 11:02
Ancient human face discovered in Spain: A milestone in European evolution

A recent study published in the prestigious journal Nature has unveiled the discovery of fossilized remains that constitute the left cheek and upper jaw of the oldest known human face in Western Europe.

Spanish researchers found these remains in the "Sima del Elefante" cave near the Atapuerca region in Burgos, Spain. The fossil belonged to an adult who lived in the Iberian Peninsula between 1.1 million and 1.4 million years ago. Dr. Rosa Huguet from Rovira i Virgili University, one of the researchers involved in the study, emphasized that this discovery introduces a new player in the story of human evolution in Europe.

The scientific team classified this hominin under the name Homo Affinis Erectus due to its resemblance to Homo Erectus. Excavations at the site provide valuable insights into the environment in which these early humans lived, revealing evidence of lush grasslands and forests over a million years ago. These landscapes were home to various animal species, including hippos, bison, and deer.

Additionally, researchers uncovered primitive tools made of quartz and flint, as well as animal bones bearing cut marks, shedding light on the survival skills and hunting techniques of these ancient human groups.


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