During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools before 200,000 years ago, archaeologists found small droplets of hematite, powdered and mixed into a liquid. Roebroeks et al. 2012 https://t.co/eKiE97m9YN https://t.co/3A3u56dCf7
Use of red ochre by early Neandertals.
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Jun 2022 – Sep 2025Where it's discussed
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AI synopsis
What people are saying
The discussions reflect a balanced curiosity about the implications of the archaeological findings, with some posts referencing specific sites and artifacts, such as hematite droplets and their potential uses, which demonstrate a deeper engagement. The tone varies from supportive to slightly skeptical, emphasizing the discovery’s significance in understanding early human behavior.
Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the discovery, with some expressing skepticism about the interpretation of the findings.
The discussions show moderate interest, highlighting the importance of Neandertal behavior and early resource use.
Participants reference specific excavation details and previous studies, indicating a thoughtful level of engagement.
The topic is viewed as moderately impactful, as it challenges previous assumptions about Neandertal cognitive abilities and resource planning.
Abstract in brief
- The study reports the discovery of the earliest known use of red ochre by Neandertals, dating back to at least 200,000-250,000 years ago, which is much older than previous finds in Europe.
- The reddish material identified as hematite was found at Maastricht-Belvédère in the Netherlands and was likely imported from a distant source, indicating some level of resource planning or transport.
- This discovery suggests that Neandertals used red ochre much earlier than previously thought, aligning their behavior with early African populations that also used ochre around the same time period.]
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Most liked on X and Bluesky@skippywhiteside Yes. https://t.co/RFUsBK03ED
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
https://t.co/vAK2rYTpmC - Use of red ochre by early Neandertals "Middle Paleolithic sites occasionally contain pieces of manganese and iron oxides" "for instance, as (internal and external) medication, as a food preservative, in tanning of hides, and as insect repellent"
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@Phillip05166897 @itsluluthebaby @GeologicalSETI @AnthropoTube Okay, I’m done with you. You insist on long form, multi posting with links to papers, but you clearly haven’t done enough research. https://t.co/pNKCAHaD4w https://t.co/7ozApnCS63.
@skippywhiteside Yes. https://t.co/RFUsBK03ED
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
Use of red ochre by early Neandertals https://t.co/QSQzbpZ3jO
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
RT @johnhawks: During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools…
During excavation of an ancient surface of the Maastricht-Belvédère site, Netherlands, where early Neandertals flaked tools before 200,000 years ago, archaeologists found small droplets of hematite, powdered and mixed into a liquid. Roebroeks et al. 2012 https://t.co/eKiE97m9YN https://t.co/3A3u56dCf7
https://t.co/vAK2rYTpmC - Use of red ochre by early Neandertals "Middle Paleolithic sites occasionally contain pieces of manganese and iron oxides" "for instance, as (internal and external) medication, as a food preservative, in tanning of hides, and as insect repellent"