A baby from the Ice Age.
In 1998, scientists made a big discovery in a cave in Monopoli, Italy. They found the bones of a baby who lived 17,000 years ago, during the Ice Age!
The scientists studied the baby’s skeleton to learn more about how the baby looked and lived. They think the baby had brown skin, curly dark hair, and blue eyes.
The bones were found carefully placed under some rocks in the cave. There were no toys or other things with the baby, so it looks like the baby was buried simply. This was the only grave in the cave.

What more did the researchers find about the child?

The baby’s skeleton was almost complete. The scientists found that the child was about 2.5 feet tall and was between 7 and 18 months old when it passed away.
By looking at the baby’s teeth, the scientists could tell his life had been hard. The baby’s family might have had trouble finding enough food or staying healthy. Scientists think the baby had a heart problem and that it caused his death.
The scientists also learned that the child belonged to a group of people that lived by hunting and gathering during the ice age. This shows that people lived in Italy a long time before the Ice Age ended.
Why are such discoveries important?
Such discoveries help scientists learn how ancient people lived. It tells us about their daily life, health, and how they survived in a tough world. It also shows how humans have changed over thousands of years.
These discoveries help us understand how early humans travelled, what their life was like, and how they worked together. Learning about our past helps us remember the connection we share with people from long ago!