Daijiworld Media Network - Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Aug 31: A mysterious skull discovered in Petralona Cave, northern Greece, more than six decades ago has finally been identified as belonging to a primitive, extinct hominid that once lived alongside Neanderthals, scientists have revealed.

The Petralona skull, found in 1960 fused to a cave wall by calcite deposits, has puzzled researchers for years over its origins. Using uranium-thorium dating, scientists now confirm it to be at least 286,000 years old, placing it within the Middle Pleistocene era.

According to a study published in the Journal of Human Evolution, the fossil likely belonged to the Homo heidelbergensis group, which thrived between 300,000 and 600,000 years ago. This group, distinct from both modern humans and Neanderthals, evolved in Africa before migrating to Europe around 500,000 years ago.

“From a morphological point of view, the Petralona hominin forms part of a distinct and more primitive group than Homo sapiens and Neanderthals,” the researchers noted, adding that the new age estimate supports evidence of its coexistence with early Neanderthals.

Nicknamed “Petralona Man,” the fossil is believed to be male due to its size and robustness. Scientists also highlight its striking similarities with the Kabwe skull discovered in Zambia, also dated to about 300,000 years ago and classified as Homo heidelbergensis.

The Petralona Cave, located in Chalkidiki about 50 km from Thessaloniki, is a vast karstic network in Upper Jurassic limestone. Unlike other archaeological sites, the Petralona skull was uniquely fused to a wall, with a stalagmite protruding from its forehead, giving it a unicorn-like appearance.