A groundbreaking archaeological and genetic study has uncovered a previously unknown Himalayan population in Ladakh's Kargil region, offering remarkable new insights into ancient human migration across Asia.

Scientists analyzed DNA from 10 individuals discovered inside the Old Lady Spider Cave, located nearly 4,000 meters above sea level. The remains date back approximately 2,500 years, while researchers believe the population first emerged through the mixing of Tibetan and North Indian ancestry around 2,800 years ago—centuries before the rise of the Tibetan Empire.

The study also identified a third genetic component linked to Inner Asia, although researchers have not yet determined its exact origin.

Ancient DNA Discovery In Ladakh Rewrites Himalayan History | Lost Population Found

A prehistoric man, believed to have drowned around 4,000 years ago, has been reconstructed to show his likely appearance during his lifetime. A team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim created this image&nbsp;using measurements of his skeletal remains and DNA data.

The remains were first discovered in 1916 on the island of Hitra, located off Norway's west coast, by workers upgrading a road to a farm. These remains belong to a man who died in his mid-20s around 4,000 years ago, near the end of the Stone Age, as reported by Newsweek.

At the time of the man's death, the sea level in the area was higher than it is today, and the site where his remains were found would have been approximately 13 feet underwater. Therefore, archaeologists speculate that he may have drowned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archaeologists-discover-a-massive-7000-year-old-pre-historic-settlement-in-serbia-717394">Also read |&nbsp;Archaeologists discover a massive 7000-year-old pre-historic settlement in Serbia</a>

"We think that he drowned. Parts of the skeleton are well preserved, and must have been covered with shell sand on the seabed shortly after he died," archaeologist Birgitte Skar with the NTNU University Museum said in a press release.

The measurements of the man's remains suggest he stood at around 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Furthermore, through DNA analyses of several other individuals from the same era with comparable genetic profiles, experts managed to reconstruct the colour of his hair, skin, and eyes. These examinations revealed that he had blonde&nbsp;hair and blue eyes.

Skar indicated&nbsp;that artefacts discovered alongside the man imply a possible "warrior" status. These items include a dagger and an arm guard—a bone object shaped like an oblong, meant to safeguard the wrist of one hand while using a bow and arrow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/women-in-prehistoric-times-were-not-only-gatherers-but-hunters-too-study-650213">Also read |&nbsp;Hunting was not solely a man's arena in prehistoric times, women did it too, study suggests</a>

Currently, it remains uncertain whether the Hitra man drowned accidentally or as a result of some form of conflict. Nonetheless, the era in which he lived was marked by substantial transformations in the dynamics of prehistoric human communities in the area, particularly the emergence of agriculture.

(With inputs from agencies)

A prehistoric man, believed to have drowned around 4,000 years ago, has been reconstructed to show his likely appearance during his lifetime. A team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim created this image using measurements of his skeletal remains and DNA data.

A prehistoric man, believed to have drowned around 4,000 years ago, has been reconstructed to show his likely appearance during his lifetime. A team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim created this image using measurements of his skeletal remains and DNA data. The remains were first discovered in 1916 on the island of Hitra, located off Norway's west coast, by workers upgrading a road to a farm. These remains belong to a man who died in his mid-20s around 4,000 years ago, near the end of the Stone Age, as reported by Newsweek. At the time of the man's death, the sea level in the area was higher than it is today, and the site where his remains were found would have been approximately 13 feet underwater. Therefore, archaeologists speculate that he may have drowned. Also read | Archaeologists discover a massive 7000-year-old pre-historic settlement in Serbia "We think that he drowned. Parts of the skeleton are well preserved, and must have been covered with shell sand on the seabed shortly after he died," archaeologist Birgitte Skar with the NTNU University Museum said in a press release. The measurements of the man's remains suggest he stood at around 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Furthermore, through DNA analyses of several other individuals from the same era with comparable genetic profiles, experts managed to reconstruct the colour of his hair, skin, and eyes. These examinations revealed that he had blonde hair and blue eyes. Skar indicated that artefacts discovered alongside the man imply a possible "warrior" status. These items include a dagger and an arm guard—a bone object shaped like an oblong, meant to safeguard the wrist of one hand while using a bow and arrow. Also read | Hunting was not solely a man's arena in prehistoric times, women did it too, study suggests Currently, it remains uncertain whether the Hitra man drowned accidentally or as a result of some form of conflict. Nonetheless, the era in which he lived was marked by substantial transformations in the dynamics of prehistoric human communities in the area, particularly the emergence of agriculture. (With inputs from agencies)

Face of Stone Age man thought to have drowned 4,000 years ago reconstructed

For over a century, archaeologists have been puzzled with the existence of&nbsp;limestone spheroids crafted by our early human ancestors more than 1.4 million years ago. These spherical artefacts have long been a mystery, leaving scientists pondering their origin, purpose, and the skills of those who created them.

<h2>Deliberate creation or accidental byproduct?</h2>

One of the primary questions surrounding these spheroids has been whether they were intentionally shaped by our ancient forebears or were mere byproducts of other stone-related activities. Did early humans aspire to create perfectly spherical objects, or were these spheroids a result of haphazard stone manipulation?

A groundbreaking study sought to shed light on this enduring mystery by employing state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Researchers meticulously examined 150 limestone spheroids discovered at the Ubeidiya archaeological site, dating back to the distant past of 1.4 million years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-chinese-scientists-grow-humanised-kidneys-in-pigs-633755">In a first, Chinese scientists grow humanised kidneys in pigs</a>

<h2>What's the creation process?</h2>

To decipher the origin and intent behind these spheroids, scientists reconstructed their formation by closely examining their geometry and the telltale scars left on the stones during their crafting. The startling revelation contradicted the notion that these spherical objects were mere accidents.

Rather than evolving towards a smoother finish during their creation, the spheroids displayed a remarkable progression towards ideal spherical shapes. Unlike naturally eroded stones, such as pebbles, these artefacts exhibited deliberate shaping skills and a clear objective in achieving their spherical form.

This groundbreaking discovery challenges conventional beliefs about early hominins and their technological prowess. The presence of intentional craftsmanship on these ancient spheroids not only redefines our understanding of our ancestors but also prompts us to reconsider their relationship with technology and their quest for symmetry in stone shaping.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctica-likely-warming-much-faster-than-prediction-of-climate-change-models-study-633633">Antarctica likely warming much faster than climate change models predicted: Study</a>

<h2>Global implications</h2>

The implications of this finding reach far beyond Ubeidiya, as slightly older spheroids with similar intentions may exist at other African archaeological sites. If this can be demonstrated, it would represent the earliest evidence of hominins actively seeking and achieving symmetrical shapes in stone, revolutionising our perception of early human ingenuity.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

For over a century, archaeologists have been puzzled with the existence of limestone spheroids crafted by our early human ancestors more than 1.4 million years ago.

For over a century, archaeologists have been puzzled with the existence of limestone spheroids crafted by our early human ancestors more than 1.4 million years ago. These spherical artefacts have long been a mystery, leaving scientists pondering their origin, purpose, and the skills of those who created them. Deliberate creation or accidental byproduct? One of the primary questions surrounding these spheroids has been whether they were intentionally shaped by our ancient forebears or were mere byproducts of other stone-related activities. Did early humans aspire to create perfectly spherical objects, or were these spheroids a result of haphazard stone manipulation? A groundbreaking study sought to shed light on this enduring mystery by employing state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Researchers meticulously examined 150 limestone spheroids discovered at the Ubeidiya archaeological site, dating back to the distant past of 1.4 million years ago. Also read | In a first, Chinese scientists grow humanised kidneys in pigs What's the creation process? To decipher the origin and intent behind these spheroids, scientists reconstructed their formation by closely examining their geometry and the telltale scars left on the stones during their crafting. The startling revelation contradicted the notion that these spherical objects were mere accidents. Rather than evolving towards a smoother finish during their creation, the spheroids displayed a remarkable progression towards ideal spherical shapes. Unlike naturally eroded stones, such as pebbles, these artefacts exhibited deliberate shaping skills and a clear objective in achieving their spherical form. This groundbreaking discovery challenges conventional beliefs about early hominins and their technological prowess. The presence of intentional craftsmanship on these ancient spheroids not only redefines our understanding of our ancestors but also prompts us to reconsider their relationship with technology and their quest for symmetry in stone shaping. Also read | Antarctica likely warming much faster than climate change models predicted: Study Global implications The implications of this finding reach far beyond Ubeidiya, as slightly older spheroids with similar intentions may exist at other African archaeological sites. If this can be demonstrated, it would represent the earliest evidence of hominins actively seeking and achieving symmetrical shapes in stone, revolutionising our perception of early human ingenuity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Our prehistoric ancestors turned stones into spheres for a reason, says study

Scientists said on Thursday (June 24) they had discovered a previously unknown kind of early human after studying pieces of fossilised bone dug up in a site used by a cement plant in central Israel.

Meet Nesher Ramla Homo, a new type of early human discovered in Israel