Archaeologist Discovers European Indigenous Face in Cave
- MADRID – Researchers have identified what they believe to be the oldest human face in Europe following the finding of a skull fragment at the Sima del Elefante...
- the skull fragment, nicknamed "pink" by the research team, is estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old.
- According to a study published in the journal Nature in March, the discovery provides an possibility to study the facial morphology of early Europeans and expands understanding of...
Earliest European Human Face Identified in Spanish Cave
Table of Contents
- Earliest European Human Face Identified in Spanish Cave
- Earliest european Human Face Identified in Spanish Cave: A Q&A
- What’s the Latest Revelation in European Human Ancestry?
- Where Was This Ancient Face Found?
- How Old is this Skull Fragment?
- What Part of the Skull Was Found?
- What Does This Discovery Tell Us?
- What is Homo antecessor?
- Is There a Possible Link Between “Pink” and Other Human Species?
- What is Homo erectus?
- Were There Any Other Important Recent Discoveries in Human Ancestry?
- Could you Summarize the Key Information About This Discovery?

MADRID – Researchers have identified what they believe to be the oldest human face in Europe following the finding of a skull fragment at the Sima del Elefante archeological site in Spain.
“Pink” Skull Fragment Offers Insights
the skull fragment, nicknamed “pink” by the research team, is estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old. The specimen,designated ATE7-1,is a cheekbone from the left side of an adult.
According to a study published in the journal Nature in March, the discovery provides an possibility to study the facial morphology of early Europeans and expands understanding of the evolutionary history of human ancestors in Europe, specifically the roots of Homo antecessor.
Homo Antecessor Connection
Homo antecessor is an extinct hominin species known to have inhabited caves in Atapuerca, northern Spain.
The study suggests a possible link between “pink” and Homo erectus, the first human species to migrate out of Africa, describing it as potentially Homo affinis erectus.
Recent Ancient DNA Discovery
This discovery follows the recent identification of the oldest DNA from modern humans, extracted from bone fragments found in Ranis, Germany. The findings were published in Nature in December.
Earliest european Human Face Identified in Spanish Cave: A Q&A

What’s the Latest Revelation in European Human Ancestry?
Researchers have identified what they believe to be the oldest human face in europe. This exciting finding comes from a skull fragment discovered at the Sima del elefante archeological site in Spain.
Where Was This Ancient Face Found?
The skull fragment was unearthed at the Sima del Elefante archeological site in Spain, located in the sierra de Atapuerca region.
How Old is this Skull Fragment?
The skull fragment, nicknamed “pink,” is estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old.
What Part of the Skull Was Found?
The specimen, designated ATE7-1, is a cheekbone fragment from the left side of an adult.
What Does This Discovery Tell Us?
The discovery provides an opportunity to study the facial morphology of early Europeans and expands our understanding of the evolutionary history of human ancestors in Europe, specifically the roots of Homo antecessor.
What is Homo antecessor?
Homo antecessor is an extinct hominin species, meaning an extinct human relative, known to have inhabited caves in atapuerca, northern spain.
Is There a Possible Link Between “Pink” and Other Human Species?
The study suggests a possible link between “pink” and Homo erectus, which was the first human species to migrate out of Africa. Researchers describe “pink” as perhaps Homo affinis erectus.
What is Homo erectus?
Homo erectus was the first human species to migrate out of Africa.
Were There Any Other Important Recent Discoveries in Human Ancestry?
Yes, this discovery follows the recent identification of the oldest DNA from modern humans, extracted from bone fragments found in Ranis, Germany. These findings were published in Nature in December.
Could you Summarize the Key Information About This Discovery?
Here’s a quick overview:
| feature | Details |
|————————–|————————————————————-|
| Discovery | Oldest human face in Europe (skull fragment) |
| Location | Sima del Elefante, Spain |
| Estimated Age | 1.1 to 1.4 million years old |
| Specimen | Cheekbone fragment (ATE7-1) |
| Significance | Provides insight into facial morphology and roots of homo antecessor |
| Possible Connection | Homo erectus – potentially Homo affinis erectus |
| Published In | Nature (March) |
