Discover the Earliest Human Face Fossil from Western Europe: Uncovering Our Ancient Ancestry

Researchers in Spain have made an exciting discovery—new fossil remains that could belong to an unknown branch of the human family tree. Dubbed “Pink,” these ancient bones may represent the earliest known face found in Western Europe, dating back between 1.1 and 1.4 million years.

Excavated from the Atapuerca archaeological site in northern Spain, the remains include an upper jawbone and a partial cheekbone. The team of scientists, led by Rosa Huguet from the University of Rovira i Virgili, has utilized 3D imaging to reconstruct Pink’s facial features. This model reveals that Pink’s face is more protruded and robust compared to modern humans and the previously known ancestor, Homo antecessor.

Before this find, Homo antecessor, discovered in the same region in 1994, held the title of the oldest known human species in Western Europe at about 850,000 years old. This new find suggests that early humans settled in Europe much earlier than previously thought, traveling from East to West around 1.4 million years ago.

Interestingly, the oldest known human-related remains in Europe belong to a group called Homo georgicus from Georgia, dated to around 1.8 million years. This group represents the first humans to migrate from Africa into Europe.

As for Pink’s identity, scientists are cautious. Although there are similarities to Homo erectus—an ancient species known for its advanced tool use and ability to control fire—the evidence isn’t strong enough to say Pink belongs to that group. Instead, the researchers propose the possible classification of a new species, Homo ‘affinis’ erectus.

Living 1.1 to 1.4 million years ago, Pink would have existed in a humid forest, cohabiting with ancient horses, cattle, monkeys, and hippos. The researchers found small stone tools alongside Pink’s remains, offering clues about daily life during that era. The environment was likely rich in water sources, making it a perfect habitat.

Study co-author Jose Maria Bermudez de Castro suggests that Pink might be a link between Homo georgicus and Homo antecessor. Unfortunately, this lineage may have faced challenges, possibly succumbing to a significant global cooling event about 900,000 years ago.

In the broader context of human evolution, these findings add depth to our understanding of how early human species adapted and thrived in various environments across Europe.

Ongoing research at the site means we can expect more insights in the future as scientists continue to unearth secrets from our distant past. The journey of understanding human evolution is still very much alive, revealing just how complex our ancestry and migration patterns truly are.



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Archaeologist, Spain