An ancient child’s skeleton, found 27 years ago in Lagar Velho, a rock shelter in central Portugal, has given scientists new information about human history. The nearly complete skeleton was stained red, which suggests that it might have been wrapped in painted animal skin before being buried. At the time of discovery, some features of the child’s body, such as its proportions and jawbone shape, seemed to have Neanderthal characteristics. This led scientists to think that humans and Neanderthals may have interbred. Advances in genetics have confirmed that humans today still carry Neanderthal DNA. However, determining the exact age of the skeleton was challenging at first because contamination and the growth of plant roots through the bones made traditional carbon dating difficult.

In recent years, scientists have used advanced techniques to successfully date the child’s remains. Researchers measured a protein found in human bones and discovered that the child lived between 27,700 and 28,600 years ago. This new method has improved the accuracy of dating the skeleton. The research provides important insights into human evolution and the relationship between humans and Neanderthals. Archaeologist Paul Pettitt noted that the study shows how new techniques are helping us better understand our past. Studying human origins is crucial for learning more about ancestors and their lives.