Archaeologists Uncover a 125,000-Year-Old Factory While Excavating a Hill: The Shocking Discovery that Transforms Our Understanding of Ancient Civilization

A recent study reveals that Neanderthals operated “fat factories” over 125,000 years ago, showcasing their impressive survival skills. This research, led by Leiden University, uncovers how these early humans harvested bone marrow, demonstrating their understanding of nutrition and resource management.

At the Neumark-Nord archaeological site in Germany, researchers found evidence that Neanderthals carefully chose a lakeside area for processing food. They broke open bones from various animals, including deer and horses, to extract nutrient-rich marrow. They took it a step further by grinding these bones and heating them to get calorie-packed bone grease. This method of resource collection is much earlier than scientists previously believed.

Lutz Kindler, the study’s lead author, highlighted the Neanderthals’ strategic approach. They planned hunts and knew how to transport and store animal parts efficiently. This foresight suggests they understood the importance of fat in their diet.

Interestingly, during this period, Earth was experiencing a warmer climate, similar to today’s. Neanderthals thrived by hunting large animals like straight-tusked elephants and even utilized fire to manage the vegetation around their habitat. This shows they were not only skilled hunters but also adept at manipulating their environment.

Experts suggest that Neanderthals recognized a “fat quota” for their diets. Their ability to predict and meet nutritional needs implies they had advanced planning skills.

The site’s unique preservation offers insights into how Neanderthals affected their surroundings, both plant and animal life. Fulco Scherjon, another researcher, believes this exceptional preservation allows us to understand the early humans’ ecological impact.

Overall, these findings challenge long-held assumptions about Neanderthals, revealing them as complex beings with sophisticated methods of survival—a far cry from being simply primitive. As more discoveries are made, our understanding continues to evolve.

For more information, you can explore the detailed study in Science Advances.

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Leiden University, lakeside location, Neanderthals