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The Neanderthalian molar from Hunas, Germany
1Institut für Anthropologie, Universität Mainz, Saarstr. 21, 55099 Mainz, Germany. altkw@uni-mainz.de
Summary
A well-preserved human molar discovered in Hunas cave, Bavaria, has been identified as Neanderthal. Dating suggests the tooth is over 76,000 years old, providing new insights into Neanderthal presence in the region.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Archaeology
- Geochronology
Background:
- A human molar was unearthed in Hunas cave, Bavaria, within a Mousterian archaeological layer.
- The stratigraphic sequence contains faunal remains and archaeological evidence.
Observation:
- The isolated human molar was found in layer F2 of the Hunas cave ruin.
- Radiometric dating of a stalagmite in layer P yielded ages between 76,872+/-9,686 and 79,373+/-8,237 years Before Present.
- Detailed analysis of dental morphology, dimensions, wear patterns, and radiological features was performed.
Findings:
- The Hunas molar was identified as a right mandibular molar, likely a third molar.
- Morphological and metric analyses strongly indicate the tooth belongs to a Neanderthal individual.
- The findings align with the Mousterian context of layer F2.
Implications:
- This discovery provides evidence of Neanderthal occupation in southeast Bavaria during the Middle Paleolithic.
- The age of the molar refines the timeline of Neanderthal presence in this part of Europe.
- The well-preserved specimen offers opportunities for further detailed study of Neanderthal dental anatomy and paleobiology.
