The Altamura Man represents a remarkable archaeological discovery, offering a rare glimpse into the distant past of human evolution. This find consists of a Neanderthal skeleton, uniquely preserved within the intricate cave system of Lamalunga in Italy. Its undisturbed state and the circumstances of its discovery provide unparalleled opportunities for scientific study.
The Discovery and Its Setting
The Altamura Man was discovered in October 1993 by speleologists from the Centro Altamurano Ricerche Speleologiche (CARS) in Lamalunga Cave, near Altamura in the Puglia region of southern Italy. While exploring the cave, researchers stumbled upon a 10-meter deep karst sinkhole, which had formed from water flowing through limestone. This sinkhole led into a 60-meter long tunnel where the skeleton was found, encased within calcium carbonate concretions.
The Altamura Man’s remains are embedded in calcified formations that accumulated over time, taking the shape of “cave popcorn”. The skeleton could not be easily removed without causing damage, presenting a unique challenge. The individual is believed to have fallen into the sinkhole and become trapped, leading to death by starvation or dehydration, before being sealed within this natural tomb.
Unveiling the Altamura Man
The Altamura Man is identified as a Neanderthal, a species of ancient human that inhabited Europe and Asia. The skeleton is remarkably complete, with almost all bony elements preserved, including even the bones inside the nose. It is covered in thick stalagmitic concretions and layers of calcite, which have both preserved and encased the remains.
Initial research was limited to on-site observations due to the skeleton’s embedded state. However, a fragment of the right shoulder blade was later retrieved, enabling more precise studies. Through uranium-thorium dating of the calcite formations, scientists estimated the age of the remains to be between approximately 128,000 and 187,000 years old. This places the Altamura Man among the oldest Neanderthal fossils discovered and provides important context for understanding the species’ presence in Europe during the Middle Pleistocene period.
Scientific Insights from the Altamura Man
Even without full excavation, studying the Altamura Man has provided significant insights into Neanderthal morphology, health, and potential behaviors. The skeleton exhibits a combination of archaic and Neanderthal features, including brow ridges that are even more massive than typically seen in other Neanderthals. This blend of traits suggests the Altamura Man could represent a morphological bridge between earlier human species, like Homo heidelbergensis, and later Neanderthals.
Observations of the Altamura Man’s dentition and oral cavity, made possible through advanced imaging techniques, revealed details about his health. The individual was an adult, though not elderly, at the time of death. While Neanderthals generally had healthy teeth, the Altamura Man showed signs of poor oral health, including the loss of two teeth before his death. One tooth was lost several years prior, and another closer to his demise, a circumstance considered unusual for Neanderthals.
The presence of endogenous DNA, though fragmented, has also been extracted from a sample of the Altamura Man’s bone, making it the oldest Neanderthal DNA ever successfully recovered. This genetic material offers potential for future genomic analyses, which could reveal more about Neanderthal evolution, their lifestyle, and their relationship to modern humans. Further studies on dental macrowear patterns and other faunal remains from the cave could also provide insights into Neanderthal dietary habits, which are known to be diverse and flexible, incorporating various food items beyond large ungulates.
Unique Preservation and Ongoing Research
The Altamura Man’s embedded state presents unique challenges and opportunities for research. The decision to leave the skeleton in situ was made to prevent irreparable damage that would likely occur during a full excavation. This approach preserves the fossil within its original geological context, providing valuable information about the environment at the time of the individual’s death.
Researchers employ non-invasive techniques to study the remains, minimizing disturbance to the delicate calcified structure. These methods include laser scanning and photogrammetry, which create detailed numerical maps, models, and three-dimensional videos of the fossil. The “Sarastro” project, conducted between 1998 and 2000, utilized integrated tele-operated systems to allow remote access and observation of the site. Ongoing research continues to leverage these and other advanced techniques, such as DNA extraction from calcified bone fragments, to unlock further secrets from this unique Neanderthal specimen. The site remains a protected heritage location, ensuring its long-term conservation and continued scientific study.