“World’s Oldest Human Fingerprint Discovered — Left by a Neanderthal 43,000 Years Ago”

Archaeologists have uncovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest known human fingerprint, dating back approximately 43,000 years. The print was discovered in a cave in Germany and is attributed to a Neanderthal, a close relative of modern humans who lived in Europe and parts of Asia before going extinct around 40,000 years ago. This remarkable find adds to growing evidence that Neanderthals were capable of behaviors we once thought unique to Homo sapiens, such as creating art and leaving behind personal marks.

The fingerprint was found preserved in a piece of ancient clay, likely shaped by the Neanderthal during the process of making tools or interacting with the material in a creative or practical way. The fine details of the ridge patterns allowed researchers to identify it as a fingerprint, and its location within a site known for Neanderthal occupation supports the attribution. Scientific dating techniques confirmed the age of the clay, making this the earliest known direct human touch still visible today.

This discovery provides a rare, intimate connection to our ancient relatives, offering a glimpse of a single moment frozen in time. While stone tools and bones can tell us much about Neanderthal life, a fingerprint offers something more personal —evidence of individual presence and physical interaction. It helps bridge the gap between modern humans and Neanderthals, emphasizing their shared humanity and cognitive complexity. As researchers continue to study the site, they hope to uncover more clues that shed light on Neanderthal life and their similarities to us.