A groundbreaking discovery in eastern Germany suggests that Neanderthals, our ancient human relatives, possessed a far more sophisticated understanding of food processing and preservation than previously imagined. Evidence unearthed at the Neumark-Nord lakeside site indicates that Neanderthals were systematically extracting fat from animal bones some 125,000 years ago , a full 100,000 years before modern humans are known to have engaged in similar practices.
The site, now being described as a “fat factory” by researchers, has yielded over 100,000 bone fragments representing at least 172 individual animals, including horses, bovids, deer, foxes, large cats, and even an extinct two-horned rhinoceros. Crucially, these bones exhibit clear signs of intentional fragmentation and heating, consistent with the extraction of bone grease.
“The fragmentation of the bones is clearly anthropogenic, not the result of carnivores or geological processes,” explains Wil Roebroeks of Leiden University in the Netherlands, who led the study.
Bone grease, rich in calories and relatively shelf-stable, would have been a valuable resource for hunter-gatherer societies, providing sustenance during lean times and enabling long-distance travel. The discovery pushes back the known timeline for this type of food processing by tens of thousands of years.
Emerging Trend: This discovery reshapes our understanding of Neanderthal capabilities. Driving Factors: The need for calorie-dense, storable food in a challenging environment likely drove innovation. Potential Future Impact: Further research could reveal more about Neanderthal diet and social organization.
While direct proof of Neanderthal involvement is lacking—only bones remain—Roebroeks points out that they were the sole hominin species inhabiting Europe during that period, making them the prime suspects in this prehistoric butchery operation. This finding further challenges the outdated stereotype of Neanderthals as primitive brutes. One local resident, hiking near the excavation site, commented on the research in a Facebook post: “Always thought of them as cavemen. Who knew they were making bone broth like my grandma?”
Prior to this discovery, the oldest confirmed site of grease rendering was in Portugal, dating back only 28,000 years. The scale of the Neumark-Nord site is also remarkable. The sheer effort required to break down the bones of so many large mammals into countless small fragments underscores the importance of this resource.
But how did they boil the bones without pottery? The earliest evidence of pottery dates back approximately 20,000 years. Roebroeks and his team propose that Neanderthals likely utilized containers crafted from perishable materials like deerskin or birch bark. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that such containers, placed directly over a fire, are capable of heating water to temperatures sufficient for food processing.
The implications of this finding are far-reaching. It suggests that Neanderthals may have had a more developed capacity for planning and resource management than previously appreciated. It raises questions about their dietary habits, their technological skills, and their overall adaptation to the environments they inhabited. “This only make sence if the fragmentation served a purpose,” Roebroeks emphasizes. The sheer scale of the operation speaks volumes about the strategic importance of bone grease to these ancient hominins.
One archaeologist involved in the dig confided, off record, “Suddenly, the landscape changed,” referring to the realization of the site’s significance and what it revealed about Neanderthal ingenuity.
The discovery also raises intriguing questions about potential food storage practices. Did Neanderthals have methods for preserving bone grease for extended periods? Was it used as a staple food source during the colder months or during periods of scarcity? These are questions that future research will need to address.
- The Neanderthals were processing animal bones for grease 125,000 years ago.
- Site contained over 100,000 bone fragments from at least 172 animals.
- Bones showed signs of being smashed and heated to extract the grease.
- Bone grease would have provided a high-calorie, transportable food source.
- Evidence suggests Neanderthals used perishable containers to boil the bones.
The excavation team discovered heated flint artifacrs and stones, indicating that fires were intentionally built and maintained at the site.
Beyond the scientific implications, this discovery offers a glimpse into the lives of our distant cousins. It suggests a level of resourcefulness, adaptability, and culinary sophistication that challenges preconceived notions. The Neanderthals of Neumark-Nord were not simply surviving; they were thriving, exploiting the resources around them in ways that allowed them to endure for millennia. This could potentailly change what we all thought we knew.