Story perspectives

Lingjing Tools Dated 146,000 Years, Show Advanced Homo juluensis Cognition

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers dated Lingjing stone tools to about 146,000 years using uranium-thorium dating of calcite in a rib bone, revising the 126,000-year estimate.
Homo juluensis made disc-shaped cores with a striking side and a flaking side that produced sharp flakes.
The raw stone was carried roughly six miles from riverbeds, showing selective material choice.
The site functioned as a butchering spot for deer-like animals, indicating planning and cognition similar to Middle Paleolithic tools.

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Story summary

Researchers dated Lingjing stone tools to about 146,000 years using uranium-thorium dating of calcite in a rib bone, revising the 126,000-year estimate.
Homo juluensis made disc-shaped cores with a striking side and a flaking side that produced sharp flakes.
The raw stone was carried roughly six miles from riverbeds, showing selective material choice.
The site functioned as a butchering spot for deer-like animals, indicating planning and cognition similar to Middle Paleolithic tools.