New research reveals evidence that Neanderthals, as early as 125,000 years ago, were systematically processing animal bones to extract fats. Excavations at the Neumark-Nord 2 site in eastern Germany unearthed thousands of fragmented animal bones, predominantly from high-fat areas like long bones and skulls, along with stone tools and evidence of fire. The high degree of fragmentation and the concentration of high-fat-content bones strongly suggests an organized effort to extract valuable lipids, challenging previous assumptions about Neanderthal dietary practices.
The discovery of meticulously butchered animal remains at the Neumark-Nord 2 site in eastern Germany offers a compelling glimpse into the sophisticated behaviors of Neanderthals 125,000 years ago. This period, situated within the last interglacial, yielded a remarkable collection of artifacts: 118,774 highly fragmented mammalian bone fragments and an impressive 16,524 stone tools (primarily flint). The sheer volume of these remains, meticulously analyzed, provides crucial insights into Neanderthal subsistence strategies.
Crucially, the bone fragments were predominantly small, with a significant proportion (26,003 samples) measuring less than 3 centimeters and an even larger portion (11,553 fragments) below 2 centimeters. This concentrated fracturing pattern strongly suggests deliberate processing. Remarkably, these fragments were disproportionately sourced from parts of the animal carcass rich in fat, such as long bones and skulls. Conversely, bones from muscle-rich or low-nutrient areas, like the feet, were comparatively scarce.
This distribution pattern is significant. It indicates a conscious effort to target the most energy-dense parts of the carcass. Further supporting this interpretation is the presence of approximately 40% of the bones bearing marks consistent with intentional cutting or hammering, demonstrating a clear pattern of organized butchery. This finding is corroborated by the presence of charcoal, heated bones, and heated stones at the site, all suggesting the use of fire in the processing of the bones. The careful fracturing, combined with the evidence of controlled fire, suggests a sophisticated understanding of how to maximize caloric extraction from the animal.
The research, published in Science Advances, challenges previous assumptions about the Neanderthal diet. While earlier evidence pointed towards a primary focus on meat, this discovery indicates a more nuanced approach, one that valued the extraction of high-energy lipids for survival, especially during periods of environmental fluctuation. The meticulous processing of the remains at Neumark-Nord 2 highlights the cognitive and technological capabilities of these early Neanderthals, revealing a deeper understanding of their sophisticated subsistence strategies and adaptive behaviors.
This study not only provides further insights into Neanderthal behavior but also underscores the importance of advanced analytical techniques in reconstructing past human diets and lifeways. Further research into similar sites from this period could illuminate the broader ecological context of Neanderthal adaptations and their relationship with fluctuating environmental conditions.
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