With his hunched form, jagged edges, and contorted features, Altamura Man, naturally mummified by nature, leaves scientists bewildered. Upon first glance, Altamura Man’s appearance might drive anyone to cover their mouths and flee, as he lies encased in the calcium-rich cave deposits near Altamura, believed to be 130,000 years old.
Certainly not of our species, Altamura Man belonged to an extinct ancient human species that once thrived in what is now Europe: the Neanderthals. Found within a coral-like cavern, Altamura Man’s skull presents an eerie spectacle, crystallized over 130,000 years within the mineral-rich cave system. Due to the challenging accessibility of the skeletal remains, nestled deep within the earth and requiring a 20-minute crawl through narrow crevices, research posed numerous difficulties.
In 2016, DNA analysis from a shoulder bone confirmed Altamura Man as a Neanderthal, living between 130,000 and 172,000 years ago. Led by Professor Jacopo Moggi-Cecchi from the University of Florence, the research team delved into dental imprints, uncovering peculiar marks on Altamura Man’s teeth, suggesting the intervention of a “third hand.”
Similar to other Neanderthals, Altamura Man’s molar teeth were larger than those of modern humans, yet the jaw size remained comparable. The well-preserved jaw revealed signs of gum disease and dental calculus, shedding light on his dietary habits and the multifaceted use of teeth beyond mere eating.
The broader Neanderthal jaw, lacking a protruding chin commonly found in contemporary humans, along with the analysis of wear and high teeth crowns, offered insights into Neanderthal dietary preferences and the diverse functions their teeth served.
Secondly, it is likely that Altamura Man fell into a deep pit, his demise hidden over time. Trapped and left undiscovered, he faced a painful death by starvation. Remaining evidence suggests that portions of his body were preserved like a fossilized corpse. If proven true, this would be a “dream come true” for scientists, as finding intact Neanderthal skeletons has been exceedingly challenging after their extinction 50,000 years ago.
Portrait of a Neanderthal.
Neanderthals inhabited Europe around 300,000 years ago, adapting and surviving for a considerable period after the Ice Age before their extinction approximately 30,000 to 50,000 years ago. Displaying a prominent nose on a large face with a massive forehead and lacking a chin, they were adept hunters trying to thrive in a complex cultural environment.
Recent research, shocking to some, suggests that Neanderthals were not primitive beings but possessed a level of sophistication. Evidence shows their use of flowers and aromatic substances in funeral practices, indicative of a complex cultural background. Neanderthals appeared earlier than Homo sapiens, our modern species, and are considered the closest human relatives, displaying physical prowess as skilled hunters. Neanderthals encountered Homo sapiens, engaging in interbreeding, leaving biological imprints in the DNA of many modern Europeans.