Context:

Archaeological findings at Neumark-Nord in Germany reveal that Neanderthals operated a 'fat factory' 125,000 years ago, where they systematically processed animal bones to extract fat. This discovery, based on the analysis of 120,000 bone fragments and 16,000 flint tools, demonstrates the Neanderthals' advanced planning and survival strategies, challenging their brutish stereotype. The study suggests that Neanderthals boiled marrow-rich bones to obtain fat, essential for their diet to prevent protein poisoning, given their heavy reliance on animal foods. Evidence of fire use and the presence of charred plant remains indicate that they might have enhanced the fat with plant flavors. This research underscores the Neanderthals' sophisticated ecological adaptation and their ability to efficiently utilize resources within their environment.

Dive Deeper:

• The Neumark-Nord site in Germany, excavated from 2004 to 2009, revealed a systematic process by Neanderthals for extracting fat from animal bones, identified through the analysis of around 120,000 bone fragments and 16,000 flint tools.

• Neanderthals smashed marrow-rich bones and boiled them over several hours to extract fat, which was critical for their diet to avoid protein poisoning, showing their understanding of nutritional needs and advanced survival strategies.

• The archaeological evidence includes tools and signs of fire use, indicating that Neanderthals designated specific areas for processing bones, reflecting their organizational skills and strategic planning.

• Charred remains of hazelnut, acorn, and sloe plum suggest that Neanderthals might have added these plants to the rendered fat, enhancing its flavor and nutritional value, further indicating their sophisticated dietary practices.

• The discovery challenges the stereotype of Neanderthals as primitive, instead showcasing them as skilled hunters and planners with a refined ecological adaptation, capable of maximizing caloric intake from their environment.

• The site is considered the best example of bone-grease rendering from the Stone Age, reinforcing the idea that Neanderthals developed specific strategies for extracting and processing within-bone lipids.

• These findings align with broader archaeological evidence of Neanderthals' intelligence, as previous studies have shown their ability to make tools, art, and jewelry, further disproving the notion of their inferiority.