In a groundbreaking study published in Nature, researchers, including a UCL scientist, discovered the oldest known human facial fragment in western Europe, dating back over one million years. Named Pink, the fragment represents a major milestone in the Atapuerca Project, shedding light on the early inhabitants of Europe. The discovery also suggests that two different human species lived in the region during the Pleistocene era, challenging previous assumptions. Through sophisticated techniques, such as advanced 3D imaging, the international team of experts reconstructed Pink’s face and analyzed stone tools and butchered animal remains found at the site, revealing the resourcefulness of Europe’s earliest inhabitants.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250312123847.htm