Artistic reconstruction of a Neanderthal child next to a fragmented fossil skull on a black background — Remains of a girl who could be half-human, half-Neanderthal were found in Israel | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Remains of a girl who could be half-human, half-Neanderthal were found in Israel | La Derecha Diario

Archaeological surprise: a hybrid between a human and a Neanderthal discovered in Israel

A child's skull found 100 years ago in Israel could be the first confirmed human-Neanderthal hybrid

16/07/2025 11:19:00h

Editorial Team

A new study reignites the debate about interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.

Researchers used modern technology to analyze a child's skull discovered nearly a century ago in Israel and detected mixed features.

Underground cave illuminated with spotlights, where excavation tools can be seen on a rock and archaeological excavation grids in the background.

They analyzed with modern technology a child's skull found almost a century ago in Israel | La Derecha Diario

What did they find in Skhul Cave?

The skull belongs to a girl between 3 and 5 years old and was discovered in Skhul Cave on Mount Carmel.

This is one of the oldest known human burials, and for decades it was classified as Homo sapiens.

The new hypothesis: a possible hybrid

French researchers used computed tomography scans to observe details hidden by old restorations.

Partially reconstructed and fragmented ancient skull on a black background with a one-centimeter reference scale

The skull belongs to a girl between 3 and 5 years old | La Derecha Diario

They detected that the neurocranium has human characteristics, but the jaw resembles that of Neanderthals.

What did the study's authors say?

Anne Dambricourt Malassé, lead author, keeps that there is no way that morphology belongs to a typical modern human.

Short-haired, gray-haired woman in a dark blue sweater slightly smiling in front of a blurred background

Anne Dambricourt Malassé | La Derecha Diario

According to the expert, this would be an objective hybrid between both human species.

Mixed reactions in the scientific community

The finding sparked debate. Chris Stringer, from the Natural History Museum in London, believes the fossil remains Homo sapiens. Still, he admits it could reflect gene flow between Neanderthals and humans.

John Hawks, from the University of Wisconsin, valued the study but called for caution until there is genetic evidence.

Child with long, messy hair dressed in a fur garment looking forward with a serious expression against a blurred background.

The discovery sparked debate | La Derecha Diario

What would it mean if hybridization is confirmed?

It would show that interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals occurred earlier and more often than previously thought.

The majority of modern humans already carry between 1% and 3% Neanderthal DNA. This case suggests that some of those unions may have produced viable offspring, like the Skhul girl.

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