Navarra archaeologists discover first Neanderthal remains

Archaeologists have discovered the first Neanderthal remains identified in the Navarra region of Spain. The find, located in the Abauntz Cave in the Arraitz-Orkin valley, consists of six bones from the right hand of an adult male who lived approximately 46,000 years ago.

The skeletal remains include three metacarpals, one intermediate phalanx, and two small fragments. Researchers were able to confirm the species and sex of the individual through protein analysis and ancient DNA testing, which was possible due to the exceptional preservation of the genetic material.

The discovery was presented by a team led by Dr. Andion Arteaga and Dr. Mikel Arlegi, with the event attended by the President of the Government of Navarra, María Chivite. This finding fills a significant gap in the archaeological map of the region, where Neanderthal presence had been suspected but never directly proven through human remains.