What happened to the Neanderthals?
The gist
Six bone fragments from Abauntz cave in Navarre belonged to a male Neanderthal who lived 46,000 years ago.
The find feeds a wider rethink of why Neanderthals vanished while Homo sapiens survived.
How it unfolded
- Oct 19, 2026The discovery of the first Neanderthal remains in Navarre was presented at an event led by María Chivite, president of the Government of Navarre.
- Oct 20, 2026Reports said six bone fragments from Abauntz cave in Navarre belonged to a male Neanderthal who lived around 46,000 years ago.
- Oct 26, 2026Scientists were reported to be reconsidering why Neanderthals, Denisovans and other human relatives disappeared, leaving Homo sapiens as the only surviving human species.