Neanderthals are believed to have lived until about 40,000 years ago. Radiocarbon dating analysis pushes that age out to somewhere around 46,000 years. Morphological analysis of the remains, and sequencing of the hardy mitochondrial DNA and protein from bone fragments, indicate they belonged to a group of Homo sapiens who likely made their home in the cave some 42,000 to 45,000 years ago. The cave already holds some significance, with a history of Homo sapiens archaeological finds discovered within its walls dating back to the 1970s. The discovery, located within the Bacho Kiro Cave in Bulgaria, consisted of remains such as bones and a single tooth, as well as ornaments including a pendant made from bear teeth. In addition, an assortment of unique stone tools that exhibit features of both Homo sapiens and Neanderthal tool-making are present at the site, suggesting the cultures may have mixed during this time. The discovery suggests the cultures may have mixed during this time.Ī handful of fossils and tools unearthed in a Bulgarian cave suggest modern humans were present in Europe some 46,000 years ago - and they likely interacted with Neanderthals for longer than previously thought.Īccording to two studies, published in Nature and Nature Ecology & Evolution this week, the discovery of early modern human remains in south-east Europe are the oldest evidence of Homo sapiens in the region from a time known as the initial upper paleolithic.
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