Neanderthals Operated 125,000-Year-Old “Fat Factories” in Germany

A groundbreaking revelation at the Neumark-Nord 2 archaeological site in Germany reveals that Neanderthals, as far back as 125,000 years ago, were systematically extracting fat from animal bones using advanced techniques involving water and heat. This refined food preparation method demonstrates a far deeper understanding of nutrition, planning, and resource management than previously attributed too this ancient human species.

Neanderthal “Fat Factory” Uncovered

The Neumark-Nord complex, initially discovered in the 1980s, presents a extensive interglacial ecosystem. Excavations between 2004 and 2009 unearthed distinct zones showcasing various Neanderthal activities. These included areas dedicated to deer hunting and basic butchering, processing of straight-tusked elephants, and a specialized zone for fat extraction. The scale of bone processing suggests a intentional and efficient operation, challenging previous assumptions about Neanderthal capabilities.

Did You Know? Bone grease,rich in calories,can be a crucial survival food source,especially in colder climates or during periods of scarcity.

Scale of the Operation

Evidence indicates that at least 172 large mammals, including deer, horses, and aurochs, were butchered at this location. The production of bone grease, requiring substantial quantities of bones to be viable, was previously thought to be a practice exclusive to Upper Paleolithic modern humans. This discovery pushes the timeline back substantially,reshaping our understanding of Neanderthal dietary habits and adaptive strategies.

Nearby sites, such as Taubach, also revealed cut-marked remains of 76 rhinoceroses and 40 elephants, further emphasizing the scale of Neanderthal hunting and processing activities in the region.

A Landscape of Neanderthal Behaviors

Professor Wil roebroeks from Leiden University emphasizes the exceptional nature of Neumark-Nord, stating, “what makes Neumark-Nord so exceptional is the preservation of an entire landscape, not just a single site. we are seeing a range of Neanderthal behaviors within the same landscape.”

Pro Tip: Analyzing cut marks on bones can reveal the tools used and the specific techniques employed in butchering and processing animals.

Environmental Impact and Neanderthal Intelligence

The mass hunting of slow-reproducing species by Neanderthals at Neumark-Nord likely had meaningful long-term environmental consequences during the Last Interglacial period, according to Professor Roebroeks. This level of activity indicates not only advanced planning and resource management but also a potential impact on the local fauna.

These discoveries challenge the stereotypical image of Neanderthals as primitive cave dwellers, portraying them as capable, intelligent beings who could strategically plan for the future, manage their environment, and optimize nutrition in resource-limited settings. recent genetic studies also suggest interbreeding between Neanderthals and early humans, further blurring the lines between the two species and highlighting shared cognitive abilities.

Comparative Timeline of Hominin Evolution

How does this discovery change your perception of Neanderthals? What other skills might they have possessed that we haven’t yet uncovered?

Share this interesting discovery with your friends and family! What other insights can archaeology provide about our ancestors?