Developments in understanding early human history

Newsweek

A groundbreaking archaeological study published in Nature has shed new light on Neanderthal behavior by examining a series of hearths at El Salt, an archaeological site in Spain. Researchers used an innovative combination of archaeostratigraphic analysis and archaeomagnetic dating to determine that six Neanderthal hearths were created over a span of 200 to 240 years, with decades between each fire.

This novel approach offers unprecedented insight into Neanderthal activity on a human timescale, rather than the geological timescales typically used in Paleolithic archaeology. The findings suggest that Neanderthals were mobile but may have revisited previous settlements after extended absences. This level of detail allows researchers to explore new avenues of study, including patterns of mobility, technological advancements, and differences in space utilization.

The techniques used in this study represent a significant advancement in archaeology, potentially applicable to other contexts to clarify the timings of human activity. By providing a more precise chronology of Neanderthal behavior, this research contributes to our understanding of early human history and evolution. For a more comprehensive look at this fascinating discovery and its implications, read the full Newsweek article and the original submission in Nature magazine.


Posted

in

,

by

Tags: