The Neanderthal “Fat Factory”: A Fascinating Discovery
The Neanderthals, our closest extinct relatives, continue to captivate us as we delve into the depths of history. In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unearthed ancient evidence of a Neanderthal “fat factory” in what is now Germany.
Operating approximately 125,000 years ago, this factory served as a hub where Neanderthals meticulously crushed and extracted bone marrow and grease from large mammals for additional sustenance.
According to experts, this finding represents the earliest known evidence of sophisticated bone processing by Neanderthals, predating similar practices by our species in Europe by around 100,000 years.
Archaeologist Lutz Kindler from the MONREPOS Archaeological Research Center in Germany describes the operation as “intensive, organized, and strategic,” highlighting the Neanderthals’ meticulous resource management and hunting practices.
The excavation took place at the Neumark-Nord site in eastern Germany, revealing over 100,000 bone fragments from at least 172 large mammals like horses and deer. The bones displayed cut marks, intentional breakage, and evidence of tool usage and fire ā all pointing to systematic butchering and processing.
Previous studies have linked similar bone processing activities to Neanderthals, but the scale and sophistication observed at Neumark-Nord set this discovery apart.
Archaeologist Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser notes that bone grease production required a substantial volume of bones, indicating the profitability and efficiency of the Neanderthals’ operations.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, research has consistently revealed Neanderthals’ intelligence and adaptability. They were skilled swimmers, brewers, abstract thinkers, and exhibited parental care and communication patterns akin to humans.
While Neanderthals eventually faced extinction as Homo sapiens thrived, ongoing archaeological investigations seek to unravel the reasons behind their disappearance. The remnants and sites left behind by Neanderthals continue to yield valuable insights into their interactions with the environment.
Computer scientist Fulco Scherjon emphasizes the significance of the Neumark-Nord site in understanding Neanderthal impact on animal and plant life, offering new avenues for future research.
This groundbreaking research has been published in Science Advances, shedding light on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancient relatives.
