World's Oldest Fingerprint Found in Spain: Rewriting Neanderthal History

Segovia Unearths Potential World's Oldest Fingerprint: Rewriting Neanderthal History A remarkable archaeological discovery in Segovia, Spain, has unearthed what is believed to be the world's oldest human fingerprint. The find, a reddish-brown print on a stone, is estimated to be approximately 43,000 years old. This discovery has sent ripples through the archaeological community, potentially reshaping our understanding of Neanderthal cognitive abilities. The fingerprint was found in the Abrigo de San Lázaro site, a location known for its rich Paleolithic history. Dr. Andrés Díaz, a geologist involved in the research, stated, "The stratum in which the stone was found corresponds to the Neanderthal period, and there are no known fingerprints of this age." This assertion highlights the uniqueness and significance of the find. David Álvarez, a professor of prehistory at the Complutense University, added, "It was very exciting for the entire team." His enthusiasm underlines the emotional impact of this unprecedented discovery. The stone, nicknamed "Perico" after a Segovian cyclist, is currently undergoing further analysis using techniques such as carbon-14 dating. While researchers are still investigating its meaning, the possibility that it represents a deliberate artistic expression, or even a facial representation, opens up fascinating avenues of research and discussion. This discovery promises to shed new light on the intellectual and artistic capabilities of our ancient ancestors.