Neanderthals, who roamed what is now modern Germany around 125,000 years ago, may have engaged in a systematic process to extract and consume fat from animal bones, a practice that researchers refer to as “fat factories.”
Archaeologists digging at the Neumark-Nord site, an ancient lake landscape, uncovered thousands of bones from at least 172 large mammals, dating from the interglacial period when Neanderthals were present. According to a study released on July 2, these remains are linked to animals such as red deer and horses.
Interestingly, while many of the bones with rich marrow were scattered across various archaeological sites, researchers noticed that clusters of these marrow-rich bones were also present.
It seems these early humans utilized tools to break down bones into smaller pieces and then boiled them for extended periods. This preparation would allow them to consume the fat that surfaced during the cooking process.
Previous research indicates that such practices trace back approximately 28,000 years.
“Neanderthals clearly managed resources effectively, involving careful planning for hunting, transporting carcasses, and rendering fat in specific locations,” stated Dr. Lutz Kindler, the lead author of the study. “They understood the nutritional value of fat and were skilled at accessing it. They likely stored parts of their resources at various locations, possibly for transportation to rendering sites.”
Furthermore, fat was essential for Neanderthals, particularly during the carbohydrate-scarce winter and spring months. Their primary nutrition derived from animal protein, and if they consumed too much without balanced nutrients, it could lead to serious health issues, including protein poisoning.
Dr. Furco Scheljon, a data manager and computer scientist on the project, highlighted that the size and remarkable preservation of the Neumark-Nord site presents a unique chance to investigate how Neanderthals interacted with both animals and plants. Such a well-preserved site is rare and may pave the way for new avenues of research.
Recently, studies have surfaced showing that Neanderthals utilized stone tools, and there are even suggestions that they may have buried their deceased with flowers.
