Early Homo erectus lived at high altitudes and produced both Oldowan and Acheulean tools

A groundbreaking discovery at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melka Kunture, Ethiopia, reveals that early Homo erectus inhabited high-altitude regions and utilized both Oldowan and Acheulean stone tool industries. The infant mandible found in level E, dated to approximately 2 million years ago, is one of the earliest H. erectus fossils, confirmed through synchrotron imaging analysis of its unerupted permanent dentition. Additionally, overlying level D, dated to around 1.95 million years ago, contains the earliest known Acheulean tool assemblage, providing critical insights into the technological capabilities and adaptability of early Homo erectus.

Mussi, M., Skinner, M. M., Melis, R. T., Panera, J., Rubio-Jara, S., Davies, T. W., Geraads, D., Bocherens, H., Briatico, G., Le Cabec, A., Hublin, J.-J., Gidna, A., Bonnefille, R., Di Bianco, L., & Méndez-Quintas, E. (2023). Early Homo erectus lived at high altitudes and produced both Oldowan and Acheulean tools. Science, 382(6671), 713–718. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.add9115