Neanderthals Outsmarted Mammoth-Sized Elephants in Prehistoric Hunts

Recent excavations in Germany have unveiled a new perspective on Neanderthals, revealing that these ancient relatives of Homo sapiens were adept and strategic hunters. A study published in Science Advances examined the remains of straight-tusked elephants discovered at the Neumark-Nord 1 site near Halle, where over 3,000 elephant remains, including complete skeletons and stomach contents, were recovered.

These colossal creatures, towering over 13 feet and weighing as much as 13 tons—equivalent to eight mid-sized vehicles—were hunted by the Neanderthals. Analysis of the bones indicated careful butchering, with marks revealing that the Neanderthals harvested meat, fat, and even brain matter. The effort to dismantle these massive animals would have taken between 200 to 600 hours, providing over 2,500 daily servings of 4,000 calories each, ample to sustain hundreds of Neanderthals for weeks.

The meticulous marks left on the bones suggest the Neanderthals exploited every edible part, even the fat pads on the elephants’ feet. Notably, the absence of tooth marks implies little was left for scavengers. This discovery indicates that Neanderthals may have congregated in larger numbers when conditions favored hunting, potentially allowing for social pairings among different groups.

Additionally, it appears they had methods for preserving meat, such as smoking or drying. Previous research has also shown they hunted deer and wild horses.

"Neanderthals were highly skilled. They understood which animals to hunt, their habitats, and how to execute successful hunts, anticipating the substantial benefits of large-scale butchering," stated Britt Starkovich, an archaeologist from the University of Tübingen. This research provides valuable insights into the complex lives of Neanderthals, revealing them to be more advanced than previously understood.

Ancient Ice Skates Unearthed in China, Dating Back 3,500 Years

In an incredible find, archaeologists in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region have uncovered ancient ice skates made from animal bones, estimated to be around 3,500 years old. These skates were discovered in a tomb at the Gaotai Ruins, located 240 miles west of Ürümqi.

The Gaotai Ruins, part of the Jirentai Goukou archaeological site discovered in 2015, date back approximately 3,600 years and include an ancient settlement and tomb complex surrounded by stone slabs. Researchers believe these tombs belonged to a noble family from the early cattle-herding population of the region.

These ice skates, the oldest of their kind found in China, were crafted from horse and ox bones, featuring a straight piece with holes for attachment to footwear. A flat blade allowed gliding over ice, but it remains unclear if they were used for hunting or transportation.

This discovery holds significant implications, as the skates closely resemble those found in prehistoric Europe, suggesting potential cultural exchanges between ancient Eastern and Western societies during the Bronze Age. They serve as rare physical evidence for studying the origins of ice skating in China.

Some archaeologists speculate that the Xinjiang region may have been the birthplace of skiing, supported by ancient cave paintings in the Altai Mountains depicting figures on skis, though the dating of these artworks is still debated.

Decoding Ice Age Cave Art: A Breakthrough in Understanding

The interpretation of ancient symbols found in Paleolithic cave art may represent one of the year's most compelling discoveries. For years, researchers were puzzled by markings observed on ancient paintings over 20,000 years old, but a group of experts might have finally deciphered their significance.

Ben Bacon, a furniture conservator and amateur archaeologist, proposed that these markings, discovered in over 600 photographs across Europe, relate to animal life cycles. Collaborating with experts from Durham University and University College London, he refined his hypothesis.

The team's findings indicate that the markings function as a record-keeping method and may serve as a primitive calendar, predating other known systems of writing by at least 10,000 years. This suggests that Ice Age hunter-gatherers were the first to establish a regular calendar to document significant ecological events.

"Never underestimate a caveman! They were more intelligent than we often assume," Bacon stated.

New Moai Statue Discovered on Easter Island

In the Chilean territory of Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island, archaeologists have made an exciting discovery—a new moai statue uncovered in a desiccated lakebed. Although this statue is smaller than many others on the island, its significance remains profound, sparking hopes for further archaeological findings.

The site of the discovery is challenging to access, but the lakebed's drying, likely due to climate change, allowed archaeologists to conduct excavations. The Indigenous organization Ma’u Henua, responsible for overseeing the area, has described the discovery as "very, very important" for the Rapa Nui community.

"We believe we have identified all existing moai, yet new discoveries continue to emerge. This is the first moai found in a dry lakebed," remarked Terry Hunt, an archaeology professor at the University of Arizona.

As excavations continue, researchers are searching for evidence of additional moai and tools used in their construction. Hunt explained that "utilizing detection technology may reveal more moai hidden within the lakebed sediments."

Easter Island is famed for its approximately 1,000 iconic moai statues, crafted by the Rapa Nui Polynesian tribe from volcanic rock around 500 years ago. These statues are thought to symbolize ancestral spirits, arranged in a circular formation facing inward.

"The moai are not just remarkable pieces of art; they encapsulate the history and deified ancestors of the Rapa Nui people," emphasized Hunt.

With around 100,000 visitors each year drawn to these statues, the allure of Easter Island only grows with this latest discovery.

5,000-Year-Old Tavern Found in Iraq

A team of archaeologists from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pisa has uncovered an ancient bar in the remains of Lagash, a city in southwest Asia, dating back to around 2700 BCE.

Using advanced techniques such as drone photography and infrared imaging, the researchers revealed that the tavern featured benches, a clay refrigeration system, an oven, and remnants of storage vessels. This find enriches our understanding of the lives of people in this region 5,000 years ago, highlighting Lagash's significance as a population center.

Previous excavations at the site have uncovered kilns, pottery production waste, and other structures, while ongoing studies focus on the area's water access. Archaeological exploration in Lagash began in the 1930s but was interrupted by the Iraq war in the 1990s, resuming only in 2017.

The tavern discovery is likely to ignite excitement among researchers and enthusiasts eager to learn more about ancient Mesopotamia.

Which of these discoveries do you find most impactful? Share your thoughts in the comments.

If you enjoy exploring the latest findings in history and archaeology, check out our article on the most significant discoveries from 2022.