Unveiling History: Neanderthals’ 125,000-Year-Old ‘Fat Factory’ Discovered in Germany

Stone Age humans near a lake in Germany created what scientists are calling a “fat factory.” Recent research revealed that these ancient people processed animal bones to extract nutritious fat. This finding helps us better understand their survival strategies.

Excavations at a site known as Neumark-Nord uncovered around 120,000 bone fragments and 16,000 flint tools over several years. These artifacts, found alongside fire evidence, suggest that Neanderthals, who lived in the area up to 125,000 years ago, were skilled in using resources around them.

Experts believe Neanderthals would smash marrow-rich bones and boil them for hours. This method allowed them to collect fat, crucial for their diet. The research shows that managing such a task required planning and organization, proving that Neanderthals were more advanced than previously thought.

Wil Roebroeks, a co-author of the study and a professor of Paleolithic archaeology at Leiden University, remarked, “This finding challenges the stereotype that Neanderthals were less intelligent.” Many recent discoveries have contributed to a more nuanced view of Neanderthals. They made tools, created art, and may have even worn jewelry.

The research highlights not just their resource management but also their understanding of nutrition. High protein intake without sufficient fat poses risks for malnutrition, known as “rabbit poisoning.” Early European explorers noted similar conditions. For Neanderthals, whose weights averaged between 110 and 175 pounds, keeping protein intake balanced was essential.

To gather fat during hunting, they focused on large animals, selecting bones known to have more marrow. The study found remains from various creatures, including horses and aurochs, indicating a diverse hunting strategy.

The actual methods of cooking remain unclear. Neanderthals likely used containers made from animal skins or birch bark, boiling the bones over fire. They might have enjoyed a “greasy broth” enriched with local plants, like hazelnuts and acorns. This suggests they were resourceful and adept at maximizing their food intake.

Ludovic Slimak, an archaeologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, noted that the findings confirm long-held suspicions about the skills of Neanderthals. He emphasizes how these insights contribute to understanding their ecological adaptations, as they were not just surviving but thriving.

Bruce Hardy, an anthropology professor at Kenyon College, called the Neumark-Nord site the best example of this kind of resource use from the Stone Age. He highlighted the impressive evidence gathered there, suggesting it provides critical insights into Neanderthal life.

Overall, these discoveries not only reshape our understanding of Neanderthals but also illustrate how early humans interacted with their environment in advanced ways. For more information on this fascinating subject, check out the full study in Science Advances.

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Neanderthals, animal carcasses, Leiden University, fat, animal bones, protein poisoning, Stone Age humans, bone fragments