Neanderthals Established Advanced Fat Processing Sites 125,000 Years Ago

In a groundbreaking study published in *Science Advances*, researchers have revealed that Neanderthals operated complex fat processing sites, referred to as "fat factories," as far back as 125,000 years ago. This significant find, located at the Neumark-Nord 2 site in central Germany, sheds light on the sophisticated resource management strategies employed by these early humans during a time of environmental conditions similar to those of today.

The study, led by archaeologists from the MONREPOS Archaeological Research Centre and the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt in collaboration with Leiden University, suggests that Neanderthals went beyond merely extracting marrow from bones. They systematically crushed large mammal bones—specifically from at least 172 large mammals, including deer, horses, and aurochs—to render calorie-rich bone grease through a method of heating the bones in water. This finding challenges previous assumptions that such complex resource management was exclusive to later Homo sapiens.

The Neumark-Nord site, which covers approximately 30 hectares, has been the focus of archaeological research since the 1980s. Excavation campaigns from 2004 to 2009 further uncovered evidence of Neanderthal hunting and butchering practices, including the processing of straight-tusked elephants, which could provide substantial nutritional resources.

Professor Wil Roebroeks of Leiden University emphasizes the uniqueness of this site, noting that it has preserved an entire landscape of Neanderthal activities. "We see Neanderthals hunting in one area, processing elephants in another, and rendering fat in a centralized location," he stated, highlighting the depth of cultural practices observed at Neumark-Nord.

Dr. Lutz Kindler, the study’s first author, described the methods used by Neanderthals as intensive and strategic. The ability to manage resources with precision indicates a deep understanding of the nutritional value of fat and how to access it efficiently. Co-author Professor Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser added that the production of bone grease necessitated a considerable volume of bones, making the systematic processing economically viable.

The findings suggest that Neanderthals were not just opportunistic hunters but engaged in complex ecological interactions with their environment. The abundance of herbivore remains, particularly during the warm-temperate phase of the Last Interglacial, indicates that Neanderthals had a substantial impact on local wildlife populations.

Dr. Fulco Scherjon, a data manager on the project, noted the extraordinary preservation of the Neumark-Nord site as a rare opportunity to study Neanderthal interactions with both animal and plant ecosystems. He expressed optimism about future research possibilities arising from the site's unique attributes.

This revolutionary study not only redefines the capabilities of Neanderthals but also invites a reevaluation of their adaptability and survival strategies in prehistoric environments. As further excavations continue to uncover the depths of Neanderthal ingenuity, researchers anticipate a richer understanding of their cultural and ecological legacy.