Researchers reconstruct face of oldest known Homo sapiens

An international team of researchers has digitally reconstructed the face of one of the earliest known representatives of the Homo sapiens species. Using fossils discovered at the Jebel Irhoud archaeological site in Morocco, scientists created a model of an individual who lived approximately 315,000 years ago.

The reconstruction, coordinated by 3D designer Cícero Moraes, was based on a composite digital skull. This skull was created by combining fragments from various fossils, including the original Irhoud 1 skull, with a mandible and teeth from other remains found in the same archaeological layer.

The resulting model depicts a man with a wide face, robust bone structure, and a prominent jaw. While the facial features appear surprisingly familiar, the skull shape retains more ancient characteristics. This discovery suggests that the anatomical evolution of modern humans occurred gradually, with specific species traits emerging at different times.