Romanian Animal Fossils Reveal Hominin Spread Into Europe 2 Million Years Ago

Learn about the archaeological discovery of the oldest European site occupied by ancient hominins, indicating their spread into the region 2 million years ago.

By Jack Knudson
Jan 23, 2025 9:45 PMJan 23, 2025 9:46 PM
romania-valley
(Credit: Mimar/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

In the relentless search to know how the ancestors of humans spread across the world, the latest evidence has revealed that hominins were in Europe at least 1.95 million years ago. Clues on their presence were recently found by researchers at an archaeological site in Romania that could now help explain hominins’ early dispersal out of Africa.

A study published in Nature Communications details the prominent find, which predates evidence of hominins previously found at other sites across Europe. Researchers involved with the study uncovered new answers at Grăunceanu, a site that lies south of the Carpathian Mountains in a river valley that is rich in fossils. 

Looking for Hominin Evidence

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group