A fossil of a partial face from a human ancestor is the oldest in western Europe, archaeologists reported Wednesday. The incomplete skull — a section of the left cheek bone and upper jaw – was found in northern Spain in 2022. The fossil is between 1.1 million and 1.4 million years old, according to research published in the journal Nature.

Archaeologists discover oldest known human face fossil in western Europe - Scientists say a fossil of a partial face from a early human ancestor in Spain is between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old

Scientists report that a fossil of a partial face from a early human ancestor in Spain is between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old.

A fossil of a partial face from a human ancestor is the oldest in western Europe, archaeologists reported Wednesday. The incomplete skull — a section of the left cheek bone and upper jaw – was found in northern Spain in 2022.

The prehistoric facial bones were found buried in 50 feet of mud and silt, and are believed to be 1.1 to 1.4 million years old, researchers said.

It marks the first time significant remains older than 1 million years old have been discovered in Western Europe.