Iberian Peninsula Hominization: Latest Discoveries

The Process of Hominization in the Iberian Peninsula: New Findings

Hominization is the process leading to the emergence of modern humans, which occurred around 40,000 years ago. The main achievements included bipedal walking, a gradual increase in skull volume, the use of tools and fire, and articulated language.

The first remains of the genus Homo appear in Africa approximately 4 million years ago. Archaeological finds at Atapuerca (Burgos) have revolutionized older theories about human evolution in Europe.

Early Arrivals in Iberia

According to researchers from the Atapuerca team (led by Juan Luis Arsuaga), the first hominids arrived in the Iberian Peninsula about 800,000 years ago. Originating from Africa, they are thought to have reached the Peninsula after passing through the Middle East and across Europe.

Homo Antecessor Discovery

Due to morphological differences between the remains found at the Gran Dolina of Atapuerca and other hominid species (like Homo ergaster in Africa), a new name was adopted for the fossils found: Homo antecessor (pioneer). This species is considered the common ancestor of Homo heidelbergensis, from which European Neanderthals later derived.

Homo heidelbergensis fossils have been found in the Sima de los Huesos at Atapuerca.

Rethinking Early Hominid Presence

Recently, new remains dating back 1.2 million years were discovered in the Sima del Elefante (Atapuerca). These have been linked to a species from Georgia, prompting a complete rethinking of theories regarding the emergence of early hominids in the Iberian Peninsula.

Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons

Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons coexisted on the peninsula for 10,000 years. The Neanderthals eventually became extinct, possibly because the Cro-Magnons were more culturally advanced. There is little likelihood that significant interbreeding occurred between the two species due to genetic differences.

Homo Sapiens in Iberia

The earliest remains of Homo sapiens found in the peninsula were discovered in northern Iberia (Cantabria) and the Levant. These were human beings with physical features similar to those present today. They were capable of creating useful items with some complexity and expressing their beliefs through funeral rituals and paintings found in rock shelters or inside caves.