Scientists have successfully dated the skeleton of an ancient child, first discovered 27 years ago in Portugal, that sparked intrigue due to its mix of human and Neanderthal traits.
The remains were found in a rock shelter called Lagar Velho in central Portugal, where the nearly complete skeleton was stained red. Researchers believe the child may have been wrapped in a painted animal skin before burial. Upon discovery, the child’s body proportions and jawbone suggested Neanderthal ancestry, leading scientists to propose that they were a descendant of populations where humans and Neanderthals interbred—a theory that was controversial at the time but has since been confirmed through genetic research.
Determining the exact age of the skeleton proved challenging. Traditional carbon dating was ineffective due to contamination from plant roots and other sources. Initially, scientists estimated the age by dating the surrounding charcoal and animal bones, placing it between 27,700 and 29,700 years old.
Recent advancements in dating techniques have now allowed researchers to measure a specific protein found in human bones. The latest study, published in Science Advances on Friday, examined a crushed arm bone and confirmed the skeleton dates back between 27,700 and 28,600 years ago—closely aligning with earlier estimates.
"Being able to successfully date the child felt like giving them back a tiny piece of their story, which is a huge privilege,” said Bethan Linscott, a study author now at the University of Miami. She reflected on the emotional weight of studying the remains, wondering about the child’s life, laughter, and the world they experienced in their short four years.
Paul Pettitt, an archaeologist at Durham University who was not involved in the study, highlighted the research as an example of how improved dating methods are enhancing our understanding of the past.
Study author João Zilhão from the University of Lisbon emphasized the significance of studying human origins. “It’s a way of remembering—just like keeping portraits of our parents and grandparents,” he said.