Neanderthals Operated Large-Scale Fat Factories in Germany 125,000 Years Ago

Recent archaeological discoveries reveal that Neanderthals exhibited advanced resourcefulness and planning by creating multifunctional bone tools and operating large-scale fat extraction facilities around 125,000 years ago. At Scladina Cave in Belgium, Neanderthals crafted tools from cave lion bones, demonstrating a sophisticated use of animal resources beyond hunting. Meanwhile, at Neumark-Nord in Germany, evidence of a prehistoric “fat factory” shows that Neanderthals systematically broke and boiled animal bones to extract fat, an essential nutrient for survival, especially during scarce periods. This process involved coordinated efforts using specialized tools and knowledge of nutrition, challenging earlier views of Neanderthals as less capable. The findings highlight their ability to plan complex tasks, including hunting, transporting carcasses, and managing food resources in designated areas. Collectively, these discoveries significantly enhance our understanding of Neanderthal dietary strategies and cognitive skills.