Groundbreaking Discovery in Spain

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers have uncovered bone fragments in a prehistoric cave in Spain, believed to belong to the oldest known human face in western Europe. This significant find comprises the left cheek and upper jaw of an adult from an extinct human species, who roamed the Iberian Peninsula between approximately 1.1 million to 1.4 million years ago.

The discovery provides compelling evidence that multiple forms of early humans coexisted in the region during the early Pleistocene epoch—a period characterized by a humid, wildlife-rich woodland landscape intersected by rivers and streams.

"This paper introduces a new chapter in the narrative of human evolution in Europe," stated Dr. Rosa Huguet from the University of Rovira i Virgili in southern Catalonia, who played a key role in the excavation at Sima del Elefante, also known as the Pit of the Elephant, located near Atapuerca in Burgos.

Historical Context of Human Migration

Early human migration from Africa to Eurasia is documented to have occurred at least 1.8 million years ago, with notable findings in Dmanisi, Georgia, where five skulls attributed to *Homo erectus*, the first human species known to have left Africa, were discovered.

Before this new find, the oldest human remains in western Europe were pieces of jawbone and teeth from Sima del Elefante, dating back between 1.1 million and 1.2 million years. The nearby Gran Dolina site had yielded more modern remains dating to around 800,000 years ago, identified as *Homo antecessor*, or "pioneer man."

Significance of the New Discovery

According to the researchers, the recently discovered remains are considered more primitive than *Homo antecessor* but share similarities with *Homo erectus*. In a bid to classify this new specimen, they have coined the term *Homo affinis erectus*, signaling its close ties to the earlier human species.

Interestingly, the dinosaurs of the research community have given the fossils an affectionate nickname—"Pink," inspired by the iconic rock band Pink Floyd. The band’s album *The Dark Side of the Moon* translates to “La cara oculta de la luna” in Spanish, with "cara oculta" meaning "hidden face."

Distinctive Features of the Fossil

Dr. María Martinón-Torres, head of the National Centre for Research on Human Evolution in Burgos, highlighted that the fossil exhibited a unique flatter nasal structure that differed from *Homo antecessor*, which possessed a more contemporary facial structure akin to modern humans.

Dr. Chris Stringer, a leading researcher in human evolution at the Natural History Museum in London, termed the fossil find "a very important discovery." He pointed out that recent studies have identified an extreme cooling period around 1.1 million years ago that could have prompted early humans to migrate from western Europe, possibly leading to a distinct population emerging at Sima del Elefante shortly after.

Environment and Tools Found

Excavations within the Sima del Elefante cave reveal a lush environment thriving over 1.1 million years ago, featuring an assortment of oak, pine, juniper, and hazel trees, alongside rivers teeming with water voles, mice, hippos, bison, and deer. Tools made of quartz and flint, along with animal bones showing cut marks from butchering, have also been found, suggesting advanced survival techniques.

Further Insights and Future Research

Adding to the intrigue is a groove discovered on the partial crown of a tooth from the Pink fossil, hinting at the use of an early form of a toothpick.

"This is yet another step forward in deciphering the lives of the first Europeans," remarked Dr. José María Bermúdez de Castro, a co-director of the Atapuerca Project. "We now understand that this species bore a resemblance to *Homo erectus*, yet the remains from Sima del Elefante exhibit a unique blend of features. Further fossil discoveries at other sites from the same era will be crucial for solidifying our understanding of this mysterious species."

Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling chapter in the saga of human evolution!