The Greatest Neanderthal Mystery Ever Unearthed by Archaeologists

The Greatest Neanderthal Mystery Ever Unearthed by Archaeologists. In the heart of Croatia archaeologists unearthed a treasure that would redefine our understanding of Neanderthal culture - an intricately crafted necklace made from the talons of a white-tailed eagle. The story behind this extraordinary discovery takes us back thousands of years, to a time when Neanderthals roamed the land. The year was 1899 when archaeologist Dragutin Gorjanović stumbled upon the Krapina site, a rich trove of Neanderthal artifacts. However, It wasn’t until over a century later that researchers took a closer look at a set of eagle talons found within the collection. The revelation was stunning - these were not just any talons; they were meticulously crafted in a way that suggested they once formed a necklace. Anthropologists and archaeologists embarked on a study to unravel the tale of the Krapina Neanderthals who wore this unique adornment, and to accurately date the site. Using advanced dating techniques and meticulous analysis, they estimated that the necklace was crafted around 130,000 years ago, a time when Neanderthals dominated the wilderness of Europe. This eagle claw necklace offered a glimpse into the sophisticated symbolic behavior of Neanderthals. It challenged preconceived notions about their capabilities, suggesting that they possessed not only the cognitive ability for symbolic thought but also the craftsmanship to create intricate jewelry. As researchers delved into the cultural significance of the necklace, they speculated on its possible meanings. Did it serve a functional purpose, such as a talisman for hunting success or a badge of honor within the community? Or did it carry a deeper symbolic meaning, perhaps representing the Neanderthal’s connection with the natural world or his or her social status? SOURCES: ’Evidence for Neandertal Jewelry: Modified White-Tailed Eagle Claws at Krapina’ CHAPTERS: 0:00 THE KRAPINA NEANDERTHAL 5:00 THE NEANDERTHAL EAGLE TALON NECKLACE 10:00 EVIDENCE OF NEANDERTHAL INTELLIGENCE