A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal L’Anthropologie suggests that modern humans and Neanderthals were interacting 100,000 years earlier than previously thought. The discovery was made through CT scans and 3D mapping of a child’s bones found in Skhul Cave in northern Israel.
The child, believed to be the result of interbreeding between the two groups, is estimated to be around 140,000 years old. Researchers were able to study small details such as the construction of the inner ear and the imprint of blood vessels that supplied the brain, which indicated the presence of both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.
The findings challenge the long-held notion that humans and Neanderthals had hostile encounters in ancient times. Instead, scientists suggest that there was an extensive relationship between the two groups that began around 140,000 years ago, with no evidence of violent conflicts.
Researchers compared known characteristics of both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals to conclude that the child was a hybrid human. However, without DNA analysis, it’s impossible to confirm the child’s origins.
The discovery sheds light on the relationships between humans and Neanderthals in ancient times, providing new insights into their interactions and cultural practices. Skhul Cave is one of three caves in the region that represent some of the oldest known intentional burials in the world.
According to lead researcher Israel Hershkovitz, the findings suggest that Homo sapiens are not a vicious or aggressive creature, but rather one that managed to live in peace with other groups. The study’s use of 3D models and scientific visualization allowed for more accurate measurements and comparisons of specimens, providing new opportunities for archaeologists to review conclusions from objects excavated many years ago.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-archaeology-neanderthals-sapiens-evolution-773d0cf2e142871cdbb047dc72e7417b