Announcements from archaeological research institutions and peer-reviewed scientific journals

First Case of Down Syndrome in Neanderthal Child Reveals Compassion

Jun 26, 2024, 07:59 PM

A remarkable discovery has been made in eastern Spain, where fossils of a Neanderthal child, estimated to be around six years old, have been found to exhibit traits indicative of Down syndrome. The fossils, particularly the skull, reveal inner ear anatomy associated with this genetic condition. This finding sheds light on the communal caregiving and compassion that Neanderthals likely extended to children with congenital pathologies, suggesting a level of altruism in their social structure. The discovery, dating back more than 145,000 years, provides new insights into the lives and social behaviors of Neanderthals. This is the first case of Down syndrome identified among Neanderthals.