Discovery of the 'oldest-string-ever' shows Neanderthals' intelligence

13 Apr 2020

Discovery of the ‘oldest-string-ever’ shows Neanderthals’ intelligence

Discovery of the ‘oldest-string-ever’ shows Neanderthals’ intelligenceScientists recently discovered a 50,000-year-old string, indicating that Neanderthals were smarter than previously believed. This string is the oldest-ever man-made string (made of fibre) to be discovered.

Neanderthals were an extinct species of humans who lived in Europe and Asia until about 40,000 years ago.

This string was discovered in the Abri du Maras caves in south-east France where Neanderthals lived for long periods.
 	The string is a six-mm-long piece of cord. It consists of three bundles of fibres twisted together. It is attached to a 60-mm-long, thin stone tool.
 	Scientists say that the cord was likely made from fibres taken from the inner bark of conifer trees or other similar trees.
 	The discovery of the string suggests that Neanderthals knew how to twist fibres together to make cords. In that case, they could have used ropes, clothes, bags and nets.
 	Making the cord also shows that they would have had knowledge about the growth and seasonality of the trees used.
 	The scientists say that perhaps Neanderthals may have also had knowledge about basic mathematical concepts to create ropes from multiple strings.

Before this find, the oldest known string came from 19,000 years ago and that is associated with modern humans.

Learn more about Neanderthals in the video below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMc81qpCQ3g

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Scientists recently discovered a 50,000-year-old string, indicating that Neanderthals were smarter than previously believed. This string is the oldest-ever man-made string (made of fibre) to […]

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