Human bones from Bulgaria suggest human beings first arrived in Europe thousands of years earlier than previous studies have shown. This means humans shared the continent with Neanderthals, our closest relative, much longer than experts had believed. Scientists studied four pieces of bone and a tooth. Detailed radiocarbon and genetic testing show they came from four Homo sapiens, the oldest of which is dated to about 46,000 years ago. Two separate reports on the study appear in the scientific publications Nature and Nature Ecology & Evolution.
What is a Neanderthal?
an extinct sea creature that evolved into modern-day humans
an extinct species or subspecies of ancient humans who lived in Eurasia
a kind of scientist who studies fossils and ancient cultures
the time period in which dinosaurs roamed the earth
What did scientists learn with this discovery?
Ancient humans enjoyed reading and writing.
Humans often had elaborate festivals and parties with Neanderthals.
Ancient humans discovered the use of fire much earlier than once believed.
Humans shared the continent with Neanderthals much longer than experts had believed.
Scientists studied four pieces of bone and a tooth.
remains of a fire pit
ancient artifacts
four pieces of bone and a tooth
primitive cave paintings