43,000-Year-Old Fingerprint Found: Neanderthals Were More Advanced Than We Thought

Segovia's Cave Yields Oldest Finger Print, Rewriting Neanderthal History A remarkable discovery in Segovia, Spain, has reshaped our understanding of Neanderthals. Archaeologists unearthed a stone in a cave once inhabited by the last Neanderthals in Europe, bearing a 43,000-year-old fingertip print. This isn't just any print; advanced analysis confirms it was intentionally placed, revealing a level of cognitive ability previously unknown. "This finding challenges the traditional view of Neanderthals as purely primitive," explains Dr. Maria Santos, lead researcher on the project. "The deliberate nature of the print, its location on a stone shaped like a face, and the age itself are all extraordinary." The print's placement, precisely where a nose would be on the face-shaped stone, points to abstract thought and symbolic expression. The researchers used 3D scanning, X-rays, and microscopy to analyze the print, confirming its authenticity and intentional creation. This discovery suggests Neanderthals possessed a sophisticated understanding of symbolism and artistic expression, a level of cognitive capacity previously underestimated. The discovery is not just a scientific breakthrough; it's a powerful reminder of the rich and complex history of our ancestors. It prompts us to reconsider our assumptions about Neanderthals and their place in the human story. The intentional nature of the print is a testament to their creativity and intellectual capabilities.