The fact the humans mated Neanderthals into extinction... is something else | Lapedo Child

The Lapedo Child, also known as the Lagar Velho child, is a significant archaeological discovery from the Lapedo Valley in central Portugal. Unearthed in 1998, the skeleton is of a 4-year-old child from the Upper Paleolithic period, about 24,500 years ago. The remains were found buried with red ochre and pierced shells, indicative of burial rituals practiced by ancient human groups.

What makes this find particularly intriguing is the child's potential mixed ancestry. Some anthropologists believe the skeleton shows features of both modern humans (Cro-Magnons) and Neanderthals, suggesting possible interbreeding between the two species. If this interpretation is correct, it would imply that Neanderthals didn't simply vanish but rather interbred with early modern humans in parts of Europe, becoming part of their lineage.

The site itself, Abrigo do Lagar Velho, is an important location for studying human evolution, offering insight into the interactions between these ancient groups and their burial practices. Today, the site is a protected national monument in Portugal, and an Interpretation Centre nearby educates visitors about the significance of the discovery and the broader history of human evolution.

[joaomendes]

This child was found just a couple of miles away from where I live actually. :) It's called "The Lapedo Child", and was found in the valley with the same name.

[Sword_and_Crown]

Many people have Neanderthal dna, but scientists say that people with a higher Neanderthaler dna have more risk to get diabetes2, lupus or crohn.

[MouthyMama]

Lovingly laid to rest, complete with sustenance, finery and something to make tools with in the afterlife. We're not so different for all our "advancements."

[jayst]

I get so emotional from ancient civilization’s children and families. The human nature is timeless

[sfguidry]

They wanted him to be warm wherever he went. He was greatly loved.

[helenvanpatterson-patton]

I have a very high percentage of Neanderthal DNA markers, according to my 23 & me. I have diabetes, Chrohn's, and liver issues(like lupus). I ran, but I couldn't hide. Bad genetics stalk me like Maria Carrie stalks Christmas. 🤺🧬

[mewmewcat]

It's crazy to think that different species of humans existed in the past, it's so fascinating yet so scary, considering how now we view races in modern time imagine being a different species of human, how low you might get looked down!

[averongodoffire]

They made sure he had everything he needed till they met him in the afterlife

[andyyyj]

"He was the child of a Neanderthal and a human" Wait, aren't Neanderthals human too?

[bridgetfitzgerald]

Clan of the cave bear series comes to mind so very strong in this ❤❤

[RavenAvry]

So apparently Neanderthals were seen as animals to homo-sapiens. They would hunt them (eat them) and some would mate with them and have families like this couple. But I think it was looked down on..

[Hillcountry_Catholic]

Losing a child is heartbreaking. No matter the times or circumstances.

[pumpkin]

No greater loss is there than a parent’s loss of a child.

[Wildchild]

My ancestry test told me I have more neanderthal DNA than 90% of the human population. Makes the large bone structure make more sense

[Cindyg]

It makes me think of the book series starting with Clan of the Cave Bears Jean M. Auel. (Forgive me if I spelled her name incorrectly.) Ayla's son and another boy were the same mix. Her son was healthy the other boy died from congenital birth defects. I read them as a teenager. Really loved this series.

[sherrynelson]

I've always felt that neanderthals survived the ice ages where it would seem impossible and their actual genetics and characteristics evolved from survival where regular humans could not.

[Bridgitte_]

Finds like this are fascinating, I love to know about them, and yet we get told that Neanderthals died out approximately 40.000 years ago. This is "proof" they were supposedly still around 25.000 years ago.

[lkmjin]

I always wondered, in homo - neadhertal relationships, who was male and who was female.

[FatalDegree]

Loooong before the religions that divide us with suspicion, fear & war; this child (of possibly mixed BREED, not just culture or class) was rested with profound love & care.

[cleocatra]

Man he’s so cute I just wanna hug him😢