Scientists have recently made a fascinating discovery about an Ice Age baby who lived in southern Italy approximately 17,000 years ago. The child’s remains were unearthed by archaeologist Mauro Calattini in the Grotta delle Mura cave in Monopoli back in 1998, shedding light on the early human population of southern Europe.
DNA analysis of the remains revealed that the baby, a male, had striking features – blue eyes, dark skin, and curly dark brown to nearly black hair. The child also showed signs of poor development and inbreeding, suggesting a close genetic relationship between the parents, who were likely first cousins. This phenomenon, while rare in the Paleolithic era, was more common during the Neolithic period.
The burial site of the child, found beneath two rock slabs, was devoid of any grave goods, making it a unique discovery within the cave. Researchers believe that this finding provides valuable insights into the child’s life and appearance, as well as the living conditions of early hunter-gatherer groups in the region.
A paper published in Nature Communications on 20 September detailed the findings of this study, highlighting the interdisciplinary approach taken by scientists in analyzing the skeletal remains. Stefano Benazzi, a Professor of Physical Anthropology at the University of Bologna, emphasized the importance of combining different methodologies to gain a deeper understanding of prehistoric populations.
Anthropological analyses conducted by the University of Siena played a crucial role in reconstructing the child’s physical development and life experiences. Stefano Ricci, from the University of Siena, expressed the significance of these findings in shedding light on the child’s growth and the early settlement of the Italian peninsula during the Upper Palaeolithic period.
Overall, this groundbreaking research provides unprecedented insights into the life and death of an Ice Age baby, offering valuable information about the early human populations of southern Europe. The interdisciplinary nature of the study underscores the importance of collaboration across different fields to advance our knowledge of prehistoric populations.
