The upper jawbone and partial cheek bone represent a mysterious unknown species that lived in present-day Spain between 1.1 million and 1.4 million years ago, according to a new study

Researchers in Spain have discovered pieces of a fossilized face belonging to an ancient human ancestor. The fragments cannot be conclusively identified as any particular species.

Scientists have revealed the discovery of the earliest face in western Europe offers "fascinating" insight into the evolution of humans. Bone fragments of the human face, from the left cheek bone and upper jaw, were unearthed in Spain in 2022. Now, new research has dated the bones to 1.1 million and 1.4 million years old.