Neanderthals, modern humans may have shared culture 59,000 years ago in Turkey

4 hours ago

Neanderthals and modern humans lived in Üçağızlı II Cave in Turkey at different times (Neanderthals: ~77,000–59,000 years ago; Homo sapiens: ~59,000–47,000 years ago).
Both groups showed similar hunting-gathering strategies, using the same local flint sources and hunting the same prey (wild goats, fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar).
Both groups collected the same type of seashells (Columbella rustica) as ornaments, with some pierced or heated to alter color.
The findings suggest cultural continuity and possible information sharing between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, challenging previous assumptions of distinct cultures.
Similar evidence from Tinshemet Cave in Israel contrasts with findings at Mandrin Cave in France, where no continuous culture was observed.
Researchers hypothesize that cultural similarities may stem from contact and shared cultural aspects, though many questions remain, including the role of interbreeding.
Future excavations at sites like Üçağızlı II may help build a more comprehensive picture of human evolution and cultural development in the Late Pleistocene.

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