Archaeologists have discovered evidence that Neanderthals in Romania used bone tools at the site Abri 122/1200, dating from the Middle Paleolithic.

A team of archaeologists made a significant discovery at the site Abri 122/1200, a cave in the Vârghișului Gorge, dating between 230,000 and 60,000 years ago, where they identified evidence that Neanderthals used tools made of bone.

The study, coordinated by Monica Mărgărit from the University of Târgoviște, published in the Journal of Quaternary Science, analyzes modified animal remains, suggesting that these were not just food remains, but also tools for activities such as skin processing. The site preserves an important lithic industry and faunal remains, including from large herbivores and the cave bear.

Analyses show that the bones were intentionally exploited, demonstrating a diversification of materials used by Neanderthals, which exceeds the use of stone. This discovery contributes to a more complex understanding of Neanderthal technology and their presence in the Carpathians, indicating an age of up to 230,000 years for the specific archaeological levels.