Bethan Linscott, archaeologist, on the 'Lapedo Boy': "Being able to date the child was like giving him back a small part of his history."

The Lapedo Child , discovered in 1998 in the Lagar Velho rock shelter in central Portugal, represents one of the most revealing discoveries about the relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans . The skeleton, corresponding to a child of about four years old , shows an anatomical mosaic with characteristics of both species. Until recently, the lack of precise dating had prevented it from being accurately placed within the evolutionary framework. Now, a new study places it at about 28,000 years ago, providing concrete evidence of interbreeding between the two groups.

The work, led by an international team, has confirmed, using the technique of compound-specific radiocarbon analysis (CSRA) , that the child lived between 25,830 and 26,600 BC . For archaeologist Bethan Linscott of the University of Miami, this breakthrough also had an emotional dimension: "Successfully dating the child was like giving him back a small part of his history, which is a great privilege."

The child's grave reveals a symbolic context. His remains were covered with red ochre , probably part of a funerary shroud, suggesting a carefully planned ritual practice . On the body, archaeologists found the bones of a young rabbit , interpreted as an offering. Other elements, such as charcoal or deer bones, turned out to be older, ruling out their direct link to the burial .

From an anatomical perspective, the Lapedo Child reinforces the hypothesis of interbreeding between Neanderthals and Sapiens . His prominent chin is reminiscent of modern humans, while his short, stocky legs are typical of Neanderthals. This hybrid profile, difficult to interpret decades ago, now makes perfect sense thanks to advances in paleogenetics.

Current studies show that non-African humans retain around 2% of the Neanderthal genome. The Lapedo Child also provides a visible and tangible form of this shared heritage. His discovery reinforces the idea that, beyond conflict, there was contact, coexistence, and even integration between human species in Paleolithic Europe.

Research into this child skeleton not only expands our knowledge of human evolution, but also allows us to reflect on the emotional continuity between our ancestors and ourselves. Although more time elapsed between the birth of the Lapedo Child and the arrival of agriculture in 10,000 BC than between that period and the present day, his tomb reflects a deeply human emotion and family environment.

The Lapedo Child , discovered in 1998 in the Lagar Velho rock shelter in central Portugal, represents one of the most revealing discoveries about the relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans . The skeleton, corresponding to a child of about four years old , shows an anatomical mosaic with characteristics of both species. Until recently, the lack of precise dating had prevented it from being accurately placed within the evolutionary framework. Now, a new study places it at about 28,000 years ago, providing concrete evidence of interbreeding between the two groups.