Neanderthals ventured into ancient Saudi Arabia as lakes dotted the desert 55,000 years ago
TL;DR
A study using stone-flake analysis and luminosity dating of sites near Jubbah in the Nefud Desert places Neanderthal occupation in present-day Saudi Arabia around 55,000 years ago, suggesting a much wider and more adaptable range into Arabia as wetter, greener conditions prevailed; there are no bones or DNA found, so conclusions rely on artefact morphology and statistical comparisons to other sites.
- 55,000 years ago, Neanderthals may have trekked deep into Saudi Arabia when Nefud Desert was covered by lakes and grasslands The Times of India
- Desert-Dwelling Neanderthals? Extinct Human Relatives May Have Ventured Into Arabia 55,000 Years Ago, Way Further South Than Thought IFLScience
- Stone tools suggest Neanderthals once inhabited Arabian deserts Phys.org
- Neanderthals may have trekked through the Saudi Arabian desert 55,000 years ago, farther south than experts thought possible Live Science
- Neanderthals reached deep into Arabia 55,000 years ago, study of stone tools suggests Archaeology News Online Magazine
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