Scientists have just made a discovery about humans dating back 110,000 years and it changes everything

Scientists have uncovered groundbreaking evidence in Israel’s Tinshemet Cave that reshapes our understanding of human history, dating back 110,000 years. The findings, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, reveal that Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens not only coexisted but also shared technology, burial customs, and aspects of daily life. 

The excavation, led by Professor Yossi Zaidner of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Professor Israel Hershkovitz of Tel Aviv University, and Dr. Marion Prévost of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, began in 2017.

The cave, located in the Levant region, has yielded significant archaeological and anthropological insights, including the first Middle Palaeolithic human burials discovered in over 50 years. 

The study highlights the complex interactions between Neanderthals and early humans, suggesting a more intertwined relationship than previously thought.

Neanderthals, humanity’s closest extinct relatives, were shorter and stockier than modern humans and lived alongside Homo sapiens in the region. The findings indicate that these groups exchanged knowledge, leading to cultural and technological innovations. 

One of the most striking discoveries is the shared use of stone tool technology and hunting strategies. The research also points to the emergence of formal burial customs around 110,000 years ago in Israel, marking the first known instance of such practices worldwide. This development is believed to have resulted from increased social interactions between different human groups. 

Additionally, the cave revealed extensive use of mineral pigments, particularly ochre, which may have been used for body decoration. This practice likely played a role in defining social identities and distinctions among groups. 

Professor Zaidner described the Levant region as a “melting pot” where different human groups evolved together, driving cultural and technological innovation.

The findings underscore the importance of this region in human history and challenge previous assumptions about the relationships between Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens. 

This discovery not only sheds light on the shared history of humans and Neanderthals but also highlights the complexity of their interactions, offering a new perspective on the evolution of human behavior and society.