Scientists have discovered the first fossil that appears to document human migration out of Africa and to Europe, by way of the Middle East. An Israeli skull that's roughly 55,000 years old was found in northern Israel's Manot Cave in the Galilee region.
The earliest remains of modern humans in Europe date to 45,000 years ago, according to The Associated Press. The newly discovered skull resembles ancient skulls found in Europe. Previously, scientists didn't have fossil evidence that "fits so well with what was believed about the ancient migration," AP notes. The fossil shows that modern humans in the Middle East "already had physical traits a bit different from other Africans they were leaving behind," The New York Times reports.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The skull also suggests that early humans interbred with Neanderthals, according to the researchers. Neanderthals were already known to live in the area at the time, so the skull documents the coexistence of Neanderthals and modern humans in the region. Experts note that the skull dates to the estimated time of the interbreeding, which is thought to have taken place between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago.
-
Why reports of Donald Trump's demise are greatly exaggeratedIn The Spotlight US president has once again brushed aside rumours that he's dead
-
Lose yourself in these magnificent mazesThe Week Recommends These fiendishly clever puzzles aren't just for kids
-
Codeword: September 4, 2025The Week's daily codeword puzzle
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
