Cave Discovery Uncovers Unknown Human Population in Europe
By
Abdul Moeed
March 13, 2025
Researchers have uncovered ancient facial bones in a cave in northern Spain that may belong to an unknown prehistoric early human population, challenging established theories regarding when human ancestors first arrived in Western Europe.
The fossils discovered in Sima del Elefante, a cave in the Atapuerca Mountains of the Burgos province, are estimated to be between 1.1 million and 1.4 million years old. The remains, comprising approximately 80% of the left side of an adult’s face, include parts of the cheekbone, upper jaw, and nasal structure.
The discovery, detailed in a study published in Nature, suggests that Homo erectus, rather than Homo antecessor, may have been the first human ancestor to reach Western Europe. Until now, H. antecessor, a species found at multiple sites in the region since 1994, was believed to be the first hominin in the area.
Identification of Homo erectus species
The excavation team, led by paleoanthropologist Rosa Huguet of the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution, discovered the fossil in 2022 while working at the cave site. A student was the first to spot the bones, triggering excitement among researchers.
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