Jawbone dating back 65,000 years marks earliest evidence of modern humans in Europe

The earliest evidence of modern humans in Europe dating back around 65,000 years has been revealed after a jawbone was discovered in Spain.

First found in 1887, the bone was thought to belong to a Neanderthal, who were known to inhabit the area before Homo sapiens.

But a re-examination of the lower mandible has revealed it could belong to a modern human and is believed to date from 45,000 to 65,000 years ago.

If the jawbone is indeed from Homo sapiens it would be the earliest presence of humankind ever documented in Europe.

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