The First Face of Europe

In a remarkable discovery in Spain, scientists have found the earliest known human face fossil in Western Europe. This fossil, affectionately named Pink, was unearthed at the Atapuerca archaeological site in northern Spain. The discovery is significant because it pushes back the timeline of human settlement in Europe by hundreds of thousands of years. The fossilized remains, including an upper jawbone and partial cheekbone, were found in a deep layer of silt and mud. This layer was dated to be between 1. 1 and 1. 4 million years old. The researchers used 3D imaging to reconstruct Pink's face, revealing a more robust and forward-projected face than modern humans or Homo antecessor. The face of Pink shares some similarities with Homo erectus, a species known for its use of tools and fire. However, the similarities were not enough to confirm Pink as a member of that species. Instead, scientists proposed that Pink could belong to a new species, which they called Homo 'affinis' erectus. This proposal is based on the available evidence and the unique features of the fossil. The environment in which Pink lived was a humid forest landscape, teeming with horses, ancient cattle, monkeys, and hippos. The area likely had plenty of water, making it an ideal place for early humans to settle. The discovery of small stone tools and animal bones at the site provided insights into how Pink and its contemporaries lived. This discovery is a big deal because it introduces a new player in the story of human evolution in Europe. It suggests that early humans traveled from the eastern side of the continent to the west about 1. 4 million years ago. This is a significant shift in our understanding of human migration patterns. The researchers believe that Pink's species may have been a bridge between the Homo georgicus species and the Homo antecessor species. The species likely disappeared during a severe global cooling era nearly 900, 000 years ago.