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A time 125,000 years ago when Neanderthals were not just surviving, they were running their own fat factories. Recent discoveries show that Neanderthals were far more innovative than we once thought. At certain sites in Europe, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that these early humans systematically processed the bones of large mammals like deer, horses, and aurochs. They crushed the bones and boiled them to extract bone grease, a nutrient-rich fat that was essential for surviving harsh winters and periods of scarcity. This wasn’t a one-off experiment; the scale of these operations suggests careful planning and organisation. Neanderthals were not simply opportunistic hunters. They scheduled hunts, transported carcasses, and designated specific areas for fat extraction. This level of resource management reveals that they understood how to manipulate their environment for survival. It paints a picture of Neanderthals as strategic and forward-thinking, challenging the outdated view of them as brutish or primitive. The landscapes where these fat factories have been discovered show an entire system at work, rather than isolated events. This allows us to see how Neanderthals interacted with their surroundings, making use of every available resource. They were not only surviving, they were actively shaping their world to ensure the survival of their communities. Strange Fact: Neanderthals may have also roasted pinecones to access pine nuts, showing their diet was far more diverse than just meat. Dive deeper into the mysteries of our ancient relatives and explore more incredible prehistoric stories by following The PreHistoric World.