Not long ago, National Cultural Heritage Administration announced that a 32,000-year-old human skull fossil had been found at the Xianrendong site in Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province. This discovery means that humans appeared in the Central Plains more than 30,000 years ago.
This is also the earliest known fossil of early modern man in Henan Province (anthropologists divide "fully formed man" into early ape-man, late ape-man, early homo sapiens and late homo sapiens. Early homo sapiens was about 300,000 to 40,000 years ago, and late homo sapiens was called new man, that is, modern man in anatomical structure).
After watching the excitement, many people lost in thought ... This discovery seems to have no great significance, because ancient humans have been found everywhere in China. So, what is the significance of this early modern stone?
What is the oldest surviving human skull?
In China's prehistoric period (about 2 million BC to 2 1 century BC), the hominid fossils such as Yuanmou man, Lantian man and Peking man have always been the evidence of the existence of prehistoric ancient humans. The discovery of ancient human fossils earlier and earlier is of great significance to the study of the origin and evolution of modern human beings.
1974, researchers discovered a 3.2 million-year-old female skeleton in Ethiopia. Through the analysis of the development and wear of bones, it can be determined that the owner of bone fossils was only in his twenties when he died, so he was called girl Lucy.
Lucy's skull has always been regarded as the earliest ancient human skull. Until 20 19, some scientists discovered an ancient human skull nearly 3.8 million years ago in Ethiopia. This great discovery immediately overthrew the statement that Lucy was the ancestor of mankind.
This skull is not only a rare skull relic more than 3.5 million years ago, but also its skull is almost complete, which plays a key role in the in-depth study of apes and humans. According to the analysis of its bone morphology, teeth and jaws, it can be judged that the skull may belong to an adult male, and the ancient human to which it belongs may live in relatively arid grassland, wetland and riparian forest and other shrub belt areas.
In addition, this male skull fossil is considered to be the earliest "upright walking" ancient human found at present, and it can be judged that it belongs to the lakeside species of Australopithecus by analyzing its skull characteristics.
What does this discovery mean?
Now let's go back to this discovery. The site of Xianren Cave 1 Cave is located on a steep cliff 576 meters above sea level in Lushan County. In addition to the skull fossils mentioned above, there are more than ten pieces of human teeth and skull fragments in the site.
In addition, a large number of mammalian fossils and stone products have been found. These animals are mainly horses, goats, brown bears, sika deer, wild boar, macaques, porcupines and so on. Their survival time was about 40 thousand to 30 thousand years ago.
This is the earliest known fossil of early modern people in Henan province, which means that there were traces of early modern people's activities in the central plains more than 30 thousand years ago.
Studies at home and abroad show that 30,000-50,000 years ago was a crucial period for the emergence and development of modern people. Although archaeology has confirmed the existence of Paleolithic culture and human activities in the Central Plains during the Paleolithic period, there has been a lack of direct evidence of human fossils, especially in the modern stage.
This discovery shows that human beings did exist in the Central Plains during the period of 30,000-50,000 years ago. This not only enriches the archaeological data of the late Paleolithic culture in China, but also provides an important fossil basis for studying the origin and evolution of modern people in China.
Why is it found in Henan?
Ancient humans chose Henan as their residence, which was closely related to their geographical location, weather and climate.
First of all, Henan is located in the Central Plains, south of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Here is rich in water resources, vast plains and fertile land, which is very suitable for the survival and reproduction of animals and plants. The paleolithic ancients mainly lived by gathering and hunting, and a large number of animals and plants provided rich food sources for the ancients.
Secondly, Henan province has excellent climate characteristics. Most parts of Henan Province are located in the warm temperate zone, which belongs to the typical continental monsoon climate from subtropical zone to warm temperate zone. It has the characteristics of distinct seasons, simultaneous rain and heat, and mild climate, which is very suitable for the living and life of ancient humans, and is also conducive to the growth and development of animals and plants, ensuring the survival and life of ancient humans.
Since the conditions in Henan are so good, why did ancient humans choose the immortal cave instead of other caves?
Why did ancient humans choose Xianren Cave?
Xianren Cave has the following geographical advantages.
First, the terrain is steep. In the Paleolithic Age without iron tools, ancient humans usually lived in caves or trees above the ground to avoid the attacks of wild animals on the ground and protect their own safety.
Xianrendong site is located on a steep cliff, which is relatively hidden and can ensure the safety of residents.
Secondly, there are abundant sources of water and food. There are forests and mountains near the Xianrendong site, which provide rich food sources and fresh water resources for ancient human life. The existence of fresh water sources is more convenient for ancient humans who can't make water containers.
Moreover, the cave area of Xianren Cave is relatively large, about 30 square meters, which can accommodate nearly 10 people, and the living environment is relatively comfortable. Under the conditions at that time, it could even be regarded as a "mansion".
It can be seen that the immortal cave is carefully selected by the residents and operated with heart.
finally
This discovery is not that simple.
Not only added more evidence for the long history of our country.
But also that origin and evolution of modern people in China.
Provide important information.
Let's look forward to more research results!
Expert: Tang Huimin, Ph.D., Central South University.
Reviewer of this article: Wang Yuliang, vice president, professor and tutor of master students of the School of History and Culture of Tianjin Normal University.