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

Fragments of a partial skull unearthed in a cave in northern Spain have revealed a previously unknown population of ancient humans, according to new research.

Fragments of the left side of the skull of a human relative have been discovered in Spain, revealing the face of the oldest human ancestor ever discovered in Western Europe.

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.