Neanderthals in Germany set up a prehistoric ‘fat factory’ 125,000 years ago, transforming our understanding of their survival strategies.
At a Glance
- Neanderthals operated a “fat factory” 125,000 years ago in present-day Germany to extract grease from animal bones.
- This process may have protected Neanderthals from protein poisoning.
- The discovery indicates resource intensification practiced earlier than previously thought.
- Archaeologists discovered 172 animal remains, suggesting Neanderthals boiled bones for fat extraction.
Prehistoric Ingenuity: The Neanderthal Fat Factory
Archaeologists recently unearthed an extraordinary site in present-day Germany, dating back 125,000 years, speculated to have been what can only be described as a ‘fat factory.’ It turns out, Neanderthals might have been far more advanced in their nutritional strategies than we ever imagined. These early humans extracted bone grease using various tools, pointing to sophisticated dietary practices that flew in the face of prior assumptions. Their efforts likely shielded them from the perils of protein poisoning.
Watch a report: Neanderthals operated a “fat factory” 125,000 years ago
The site yields evidence of their meticulous techniques, strengthening the belief that these ancient souls were not merely brutish caricatures of history. Neanderthals knew the importance of calorie-rich fat, long before modern nutritionists began the low-fat craze. As Osbjorn Pearson insightfully notes, “And it turns out that fat is just packed with calories.” Amid the ruins, experts uncovered 172 animal remains, along with tools pointing to the labor-intensive nature of their endeavors.
En Allemagne, la présence sur un site d’un grand nombre d’os d'animaux brisés en petits fragments et chauffés pour en extraire la graisse il y a 125 000 ans, montre que les compétences culinaires des #Néandertaliens étaient étonnamment sophistiquées. https://t.co/g6Fqowirw1
— Bernadette Arnaud (@NarudaaArnaud) July 4, 2025
Shattering Myths About Neanderthals
The revelation that Neanderthals practiced resource intensification so long ago has jolted the scientific community. Previously, the earliest evidence of such behavior dated to 28,000 years ago. This discovery dispels the myth that Neanderthals were simple-minded creatures, incapable of planning or innovation. The sheer effort required, described by Wil Roebroeks, emphasizes, “Fragmentation of the bones of large mammals into such a vast amount of small fragments is labor-intensive and time-consuming,” showcasing their commitment to survival.
A greater understanding of their practices reflects not only on their adaptability but also offers insights into human evolution. The Neanderthal approach to securing and preparing food hints at advanced social structures and cooperation. They were much like the foragers of documented history, utilizing methods that suggest food storage practices. As such, their diets, rich in calories from fat, may have supported longer lifespans and boosted reproduction.
