Some of the bones found in Guattari Cave near the town of San Felice Circeo in Italy. The cave is where two other skulls have been found, including what is considered to be a well-preserved Neanderthal skull discovered in 1939. Discoveries of ventilation holes in the ceiling of the cave had led some anthropologists to believe that Neanderthals also engaged in ritual cannibalism, according to the ministry, which added that some of the discovered bones had been burned. Hundreds more bones attributed to elephants, rhinoceroses, giant deer, horses and bovine aurochs, a now extinct cow-like animal, were also discovered in the cave. Excavations will continue in hopes of finding tools and other clues about ancient Neanderthal life.

Source: CNN May 11, 2021 08:48 UTC