Spanish researchers discovered facial bone fragments named 'Pink' in Sima del Elefante cave in northern Spain, dating back 1.4 million years. This discovery, comprising a left cheekbone and upper jaw, constitutes the oldest human face ever unearthed in Western Europe.
Significance: The finding implies that multiple human species dwelled in Europe earlier than previously thought, questioning the notion that Homo antecessor was the initial inhabitant. The site portrays a humid forest setting with a variety of wildlife, shedding light on early human migration trends.