Neanderthals Conquered Vertical Terrain to Hunt Ibex on Treacherous Mountain Slopes

The Mountain Hunters: Unveiling the Ancient Skills of Neanderthals Imagine scaling a vertical cliff, navigating treacherous terrain, and stalking prey with precision. This is not the domain of modern-day mountaineers or big-game hunters, but rather the realm of early Neanderthals, who roamed the mountain slopes of Eastern Europe nearly 300,000 years ago. A recent discovery in a Serbian cave has shed new light on the hunting prowess and adaptability of these ancient humans, forcing us to reevaluate our understanding of their capabilities. In a stunning revelation, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that Neanderthals not only hunted ibex – agile mountain goats – but also processed them with remarkable skill. The findings, published in a recent study, suggest that early Neanderthals had already mastered the art of hunting on steep terrain, a feat previously thought to be beyond their capabilities. "We now see that early Neanderthals who had barely differentiated themselves anthropologically as a species were already exploiting ecological niches that no hominin had ever exploited before," says Stefan Milošević, lead researcher at the University of Belgrade in Serbia. "This is a game-changer in our understanding of their adaptability and resourcefulness." The discovery was made possible by the excavation of a cave in Eastern Europe, which yielded a treasure trove of artifacts and fossils. Among them were remains of ibex, expertly butchered and processed for food and resources. The analysis revealed that Neanderthals had developed a sophisticated hunting strategy, one that involved stalking their prey on steep mountain slopes. "This approach is completely different from what we've seen in Western Europe," notes Milošević. "The terrain is rugged, barren, and unforgiving – yet the Neanderthals were able to thrive here." But why did Neanderthals adapt to this new environment? According to Marie-Hélène Moncel, a specialist in Neanderthal culture at France's National Museum of Natural History in Paris, "The Eastern European landscape presented unique challenges and opportunities. By exploiting these ecological niches, the Neanderthals were able to survive and thrive in areas that would be inhospitable to other human species." As we delve deeper into the lives of our ancient ancestors, we are forced to confront the limitations of our current understanding. The discovery of Neanderthal remains in Eastern Europe pushes back the timeline of their presence in this region by tens of thousands of years. "This finding fills a critical gap in our knowledge of Neanderthals," says Moncel. "It highlights the importance of continued research and excavation, as we strive to understand the complexities of human evolution." The implications of this discovery are far-reaching, challenging our assumptions about the capabilities and adaptability of early humans. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the past, we are reminded that the story of human evolution is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering ability to thrive in even the most inhospitable environments. In the words of Milošević, "The Neanderthals were not just clever hunters – they were masters of their environment. Their legacy continues to inspire us today, as we strive to understand our own place within the natural world." *Based on reporting by Newscientist.*