Neanderthal fossils from the Spy Cave in Belgium, once thought to be no older than 24,000 years, have now been dated to between 44,200 and 40,600 years ago, revealing that they likely represent the last survivors of their species in Europe. This new dating, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, challenges previous estimates and offers fresh insights into the timeline of Neanderthal extinction.
The study was conducted by an international team of researchers from Belgium, Britain, and Germany, with key contributions from Thibaut Deviese of the University of Oxford and Aix-Marseille University. Deviese and his colleagues applied a more advanced method of radiocarbon dating, which improved the reliability of the results by reducing contamination from the burial environment or preservation techniques used in museums. Traditional radiocarbon dating relies on measuring the decay of carbon-14 in organic materials, such as bone collagen, to estimate age. However, contaminants such as glues or other environmental factors can interfere with the accuracy of these readings. By isolating specific amino acids found in the collagen, the team was able to obtain a clearer and more accurate date for the fossils.
The new method provides a firmer understanding of when Neanderthals disappeared from Europe. This is a critical step in understanding the nature of Neanderthals, their cognitive abilities, and the reasons behind their eventual extinction while our ancestors, Homo sapiens, thrived. Knowing the precise timeline of Neanderthal extinction allows scientists to re-evaluate the relationship between Neanderthals and early humans and provides a clearer context for their interactions.
In addition to the Spy Cave fossils, the researchers also applied their refined dating method to Neanderthal remains from two other important Belgian sites: Fonds-de-Foret and Engis. These additional specimens confirmed similar ages, further supporting the hypothesis that Neanderthals may have survived in Europe much later than previously believed. Gregory Abrams, co-lead author from the Scladina Cave Archaeological Centre, emphasized the significance of these findings, particularly as Belgian Neanderthal fossils have played a key role in the historical understanding of the species. The team was able to provide a more reliable age for these fossils, contributing to the ongoing study of Neanderthal history.
One interesting aspect of the study involved genetic sequencing, which revealed that a Neanderthal shoulder bone previously dated to 28,000 years ago had been heavily contaminated with bovine DNA. This suggested that the bone had been preserved using glue derived from cattle bones, highlighting the potential pitfalls in earlier dating attempts and reinforcing the need for more precise methods.
The researchers also pointed out the broader implications of their findings for understanding Neanderthal culture and cognitive evolution. Certain stone tools once attributed to Neanderthals, thought to demonstrate their cognitive abilities, may need to be reconsidered in light of this new dating. If Neanderthals lived longer than previously thought, the timeline for the development of these tools—and possibly even their interactions with Homo sapiens—will need to be reassessed.
Tom Higham, co-author from the University of Oxford, stressed the importance of accurate dating in archaeology. Without a reliable chronological framework, it becomes difficult to understand the relationships between Neanderthals and early humans, as well as the broader cultural and technological developments of the Paleolithic period. This study marks a significant advancement in the field and provides a clearer picture of the final chapter of Neanderthal history in Europe.