A fossil unearthed at the Cova Negra archaeological site in Valencia, Spain, reveals a Neanderthal child, likely around six years old, with Down syndrome. This remarkable discovery, showcasing inner ear anatomy traits indicative of the genetic condition, represents the earliest-known evidence of Down syndrome.
The fossil, found near Xàtiva, highlights compassionate caregiving among Neanderthals, our extinct close cousins. Nicknamed “Tina,” the child’s fossil was excavated in 1989, but its significance was recognized only recently. It consists of a fragment of the right temporal bone, which helps form the skull’s sides and base, protecting the brain and surrounding the ear canal.
“Tina’s inner ear abnormalities are unique to individuals with Down syndrome,” explained Mercedes Conde-Valverde, paleoanthropologist at the University of Alcalá in Spain and lead author of the study published in Science Advances. “The pathology resulted in complete deafness, severe vertigo, and balance issues.”
Conde-Valverde emphasized the need for community support in Tina’s survival: “The mother alone couldn’t have provided all the necessary care. For Tina to survive for at least six years, the group must have continuously assisted, either by relieving the mother in caring for the child or helping with daily tasks.”
Tina’s fossil also showed abnormalities in the semicircular canals, which govern balance, and a reduced cochlea, involved in hearing. While the exact age of the fossil remains undetermined, Neanderthal presence at Cova Negra dates between 273,000 and 146,000 years ago.
Neanderthals, robustly built with larger brows, lived from around 430,000 years ago to roughly 40,000 years ago. Known for their intelligence, they created art, used complex hunting methods, and possibly had spoken language. Previous evidence of Neanderthals caring for the sick and injured has sparked debate over whether this was driven by reciprocal behavior or genuine compassion.
“For decades, it has been known that Neanderthals cared for their vulnerable companions, but all known cases involved adults. The discovery of Tina supports the existence of true altruism among Neanderthals,” Conde-Valverde noted.
Archaeological evidence suggests Cova Negra was occupied by small groups of Neanderthal hunter-gatherers for short periods. Tina’s survival, despite the intellectual disability and developmental delays associated with Down syndrome, implies extended group caregiving in a highly collaborative social context.
Valentín Villaverde, University of Valencia emeritus professor of prehistory and study co-author, stated, “The survival of this child, beyond the breastfeeding period, implies group caregiving, indicating a highly collaborative social context.”
Conde-Valverde concluded, “The discovery of Tina represents the oldest known case of Down syndrome and demonstrates that the diversity observed in modern humans was present in prehistoric times. This finding ensures that the story of human evolution includes us all.”