Neanderthals were the closest ancient relatives of the human species that existed around 40,000–250,000 years ago. There is no hard evidence indicating what killed them, but there are various theories and not being able to adapt to climate change is one of them.
Until recently, everyone believed that the Italian Neanderthal were cannibals. In 1939, a skull was found with a hole. At that time, paleontologists theorized that Neanderthal were cannibals, and that hole was evidence of ritualistic cannibalism. But new claims replace the macabre theory that Neanderthals were cannibals.
A cave suggested the existence of bigger and stronger carnivores – hyenas. These ancient hyenas were much more dangerous than modern hyenas and weighed more than 200lbs. This cave does not only show a history of Neanderthals, but it also shows a history of these ancient hyenas, along with elephants, rhinoceroses, megaloceros, and aurochs (a giant animal that went extinct a few hundred years ago).
Cave in Italy
The Neanderthal skull was found in a cave in Italy. The cave was hidden in a big landslide. Since its entrance was covered for so long, there were many untouched human remains. Archaeologists discovered the cave in 1939, but a new part of the cave was discovered in October 2019. This newfound part was called “laghetto” or “lake that floods in winter”. According to experts, the remains in this cave are a huge source of data. The culture ministry of Italy confirms the cave “as one of the most important sites in the world for the history of Neanderthals.” They also acknowledged it as “an extraordinary discovery which will excite interest in the whole world.” Paleontologists are getting new data every day the dig proceeds.
Location of the Cave
Between Rome and Naples on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, San Felice Circeo is a village where the cave can be found nearby.
Remains of nine Neanderthals were found in the cave. Eight of them are male and one is female. Seven of the remains are adult individuals and two teenagers. Eight remains date back to 50,000–68,000 years ago and one dates back to 100,000 years ago. According to archaeologists, the remains of two individuals were found in 1939 and nine were found recently, which suggests that the population was dense around this area.
What is the big discovery?
The human skulls had holes at the base. According to archaeologists, the hole suggests gnawing by hyenas to feed on the brain. It is unclear whether hyenas killed them and then brought them to the caves, or they died of other causes in the cave, after which hyenas ate them. According to Mario Rubini, local director of anthropology, it could be possible that hyenas opened the hole in the skull to eat inside or the holes were a result of an accident. Nothing can be said with certainty.
Hyenas did not only eat Neanderthal. There were bones of other animals: elephant, giant deer, wild horses, cave bears, rhinos, and aurochs were also found. All these remains show signs of gnawing, which support the claim that Neanderthal were not cannibals.
According to new discoveries, Neanderthal were sophisticated creatures who also indulged in cave painting and ornamentation. They wore eagle claws and had tools and clothes made of animal bones and skin. Neanderthal could hold and control fire. They also buried their dead in graves instead of leaving the bodies unattended.
