ARCHÆOLOGY

A MONTHLY EXCAVATION OF ODDITIES AND ANTIQUITIES

DISTANT COUSINS

• A cranial fragment and jaw of a previously unknown ancient human species have been found near Ramla in Israel, dated to between 140,000 and 120,000 years BP, and named the “Nesher Ramla Homo type”. This individual – with no chin and very large teeth – might represent the last surviving population of Middle Pleistocene Homo, precursors of Neanderthals and our own species. Researchers speculate that early members of this hominin group were present in the Near East some 400,000 years ago and resemble “pre-Neanderthal” groups in Europe. Analysis of stone tools associated with this group shows they had fully mastered technology until recently linked only to Neanderthals and H sapiens, suggesting cultural interaction. Nesher Ramla Homo was an efficient hunter of large and small game, used wood for fuel, cooked or roasted meat, and maintained fires. BBC News, , 24.