First evidence of Neanderthal bone tool use in Romania discovered
Deep in the Vârghiș Gorges, tucked away in the dark recesses of a cave, researchers have found the first evidence that Neanderthals used bone tools in Romania.
In a groundbreaking discovery in Romania, researchers have found the first evidence of Neanderthals using bone tools, specifically in the Carpathian region. This finding, published in the Journal of Quaternary Science, fills a long-standing gap in our understanding of Neanderthal tool use, as previous excavations in the area had missed such evidence.
The site, Abri 122/1200, was inhabited by Neanderthals between 230,000 and 60,000 years ago. Researchers meticulously examined over 10,000 bone fragments, identifying 83 that showed signs of human modification, including tools used for scraping, sharpening, wedging, and hammering. These small, expedient tools suggest that Neanderthals prioritized speed and immediate usefulness, utilizing whatever bone was available for a variety of tasks.
The discovery indicates a higher level of ingenuity and inventiveness in Neanderthal thought processes, challenging previous assumptions about their capabilities.
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