New Study Reveals Homo Sapiens Arrived in Europe Earlier Than We Thought

Humans (Homo sapiens) emerged due to a dramatic climate change 300,000 years ago. Homo sapiens is the largest and most widespread species among the primate group. Evolving in the African continent, Homo sapiens have engaged in global migration for thousands of years.

Once thought to have arrived in Europe around 45,000 years ago, a new study revealed that Homo sapiens arrived 10,000 years earlier-which contradicted established notions of the arrival of stone age humans in the continent.

Researchers of the new study engaged in the archaeological excavation of a cave in southern France.  They discovered bones, tools, and teeth which strongly linked to Homo sapiens rather than the native Neanderthals.

In light of the new discovery, the study concluded that Homo sapiens periodically entered France approximately 54,000 years ago.

10,000 Years Earlier Than Conventional Knowledge

(Photo : Wikus De Wet via Getty Images)

Homo sapiens have long been thought to have arrived in Europe approximately 40,000 years ago. However, researchers revealed that Homo sapiens migrated into the continent 10,000 years earlier, as per a new study published in the journal Science Advances on February 9.

The study's authors, Ludovic Slimak from the University of Toulouse in France and other researchers, made the discovery at a French cave called, Grotte Mandrin, a historical site located in Malataverne, France.

The researchers identified bones, tools, and teeth older than 50,000 years-which pre-date the previous and earliest known archaeological evidence of Homo sapiens in Europe by more than 10,000 years, as per Nature.

Also read: The Secret To Survival: How Homo Sapiens Outlasted Other Homonins

Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals

The study showed the newcomers Homo sapiens swapped places at the Grotte Mandrin cave with the native Neanderthals-who disappeared 40,000 years ago. Although thousands of artifacts were found at the site, the researchers made a turning point when they discovered nine isolated hominid teeth, including a child's tooth, unearthed from 12 sediment rocks.

Although there is a resemblance between the bone structure of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, the researchers compared the teeth between the two species based on their shapes and sizes. The discovered hominid teeth were found buried inside the rocks which were heated using tools.

Radiocarbon Dating Technology

Based on the evidence, radiocarbon dating technology suggested Homo sapiens periodically enter the site in southern Europe even before the Neanderthals went extinct, according to Isabelle Crevecoeur of the University of Bordeaux in France, as cited by Science News.

The study concluded that Homo sapiens visited the Grotte Mandrin around 54,000 years ago. Furthermore, the study argued that it was not the Neanderthals who left the heating tools and the child's tooth at the French cave.

Global Migration

Labeled as the 'Great Human Migration,' Homo sapiens left their origin site in Africa approximately between 70,000 and 80,000 years ago to colonize the world, as per Smithsonian Magazine. This migration will eventually lead to the dispersion of Homo sapiens to different parts of the planet, including the Americas, Asia, and Europe.

Related article: Oldest Homo Sapiens Fossil Found in Morocco, Rewriting the Story of Humanity