Nine Neanderthal skeletons discovered in cave in Lazio, Italy

The remains of nine Neanderthal individuals, along with numerous animal and plant fossils, have been unearthed in a cave between Latina and Frosinone, in a collaborative excavation with the University of Tor Vergata. The site, Grotta Guattari in San Felice del Circeo, was discovered in 1939 and studied by paleontologist Alberto Carlo Blanc. The new excavation, led by Francesco Di Mario, has expanded into a previously unexplored area of the cave. The remains date between 125,000 and 50,000 years ago. Among the nine skeletons are a young individual and a female, from different periods. Mario Rolfo, professor of prehistoric archaeology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, stated that geological and sedimentological studies will reveal climate changes between 120,000 and 60,000 years ago. Mario Rubini, director of the anthropology service of SABAP for Frosinone and Latina provinces, noted that the discovery sheds light on the history of human settlement in Italy. The Neanderthal diet appears to have been largely vegetarian. Animal remains include rhinoceros, hyena, elephant, cave bear, and aurochs. Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini called the discovery extraordinary, highlighting the work of the Soprintendenza, universities, and research institutions.