Archaeologists have found the trail of one of the last Neanderthals

It is believed that the immediate ancestors of modernpeople, Neanderthals, died out about 40 thousand years ago. The last place of their habitat is considered the island of Gibraltar, where they did not have to fight with modern people for food. It was there, according to an international group of archaeologists, that a 17-centimeter footprint of one of them was discovered - it is assumed that it was a teenager about 1.26 meters tall. This assumption was made because of the unusual properties of the track and the sand that formulated it.

A footprint has been spotted in the village.Catalan Bay. Excavations in this area began 10 years ago, and during all this time, researchers found only traces of vertebrates. Archaeologists are sure that they have discovered the Neanderthal footprint - there is a gap of 2 centimeters between the first and second fingers. Assessing how long the trail was exposed to the sun, the researchers found out its age - 29,000 years.

Leg size and estimated growth leftNeanderthal trail hints that he was a teenager. Perhaps he lived in the cave Gorama in the south-east of the island - this place is considered the most recent place of their habitat. It is noteworthy that this is just the second Neanderthal trail discovered in history - the first one was found in the Romanian cave Vartrop.

According to the director of the Museum of Gibraltar CliveFinlayson, in the future, archaeologists will find in this area and other interesting fossils. They still have a long work to do - 300 meters of the investigated territory are located under them, which can hide other traces in themselves. There is a small chance that the researchers are wrong - after all, Neanderthals and modern people lived at the same time, and the trace may belong to man.

Recall that recently we have released anothermaterial about Neanderthals. Judging by the DNA analysis, two types of people could mate with each other. Moreover, Neanderthals can be among us.

What do you think, whose footprint foundarchaeologists: Neanderthals, or modern man? You can write your answer in the comments, but do not forget to join our Telegram-chat, where there are always lively discussions on science and technology!