A new debate has erupted in the scientific community: archaeologists are questioning the idea that the earliest members of the genus Homo reached southeastern Europe nearly two million years ago. The controversy centers around materials from the Grănceanu site in Romania, which were previously considered key evidence supporting early hominin migration into the Balkans. However, a fresh analysis of these finds has led experts to reconsider previous conclusions and doubt their reliability.
In early 2025, a group of researchers published the results of their study of animal bones found at Grănceanu in the 1960s. Modern estimates put the age of these remains at about 1.95 million years. Some bones showed marks that could have been left by primitive tools. This prompted speculation that ancient humans had already settled in the region at that time. However, an independent team of archaeologists from Germany and the Netherlands, led by Professor Wil Roebroeks of Leiden University, decided to verify these findings.
Questionable evidence
Experts carefully examined nearly five thousand bones found in Granchanu and concluded that only twenty of them showed potential traces of tool use. Moreover, in just seven cases did these marks truly resemble cuts that could have been made by humans. The remaining damage could easily have resulted from natural processes—for example, contact with sedimentary rocks or pressure from the soil.
Additionally, archaeologists noted the absence of other evidence of hominin presence at Granchanu. No human remains or stone tools were found. This seriously undermines the hypothesis that humans were responsible for the mysterious markings on the animal bones. Furthermore, important details about the excavation process and the conditions in which the finds were discovered have not been preserved, making it difficult to reconstruct events that took place at this site nearly two million years ago.
Dating issues
Another reason for skepticism lies in the methods used to date the bones and identify the marks on them. As comparative material, researchers often used fresh bones rather than fossils, which could have led to erroneous conclusions. Additionally, the discovered cut marks differed noticeably from similar traces found on bones from the famous Olduvai Gorge in Africa, where the presence of early humans is beyond doubt.
As a result, the independent group concluded that, as of now, there is no compelling evidence that hominins actually inhabited Grenchanu nearly two million years ago. In their view, this site cannot yet be considered archaeological, and the bones found are not definitive proof of ancient human presence.
Eurasian Context
For comparison, in Dmanisi, Georgia, archaeologists discovered not only primitive stone tools, but also five Homo erectus skulls. This allowed for a highly accurate dating of about 1.8 million years. These finds are regarded as indisputable evidence of the earliest human migration out of Africa and into Eurasia.
Reports of other ancient finds in Europe and Asia surface periodically, but most do not withstand critical scrutiny. For example, in 2022, a human tooth estimated to be about 1.8 million years old was found in Orozmani, Georgia, and more recently, a fossilized jaw was uncovered at the same site. However, such sensational discoveries are rare, and each one triggers heated debate within the scientific community.
Archaeological Battles
The story of Grenchanu is yet another example of how difficult it can be to interpret ancient finds. Even the smallest details—such as the shape of a cut on a bone or the composition of sedimentary rocks—can shift our understanding of early human migrations. In the absence of direct evidence, like human remains or tools, any conclusions remain speculative and may be overturned by new research.
Nevertheless, the debates surrounding the Romanian site highlight the importance of thoroughly examining and re-examining archaeological data. Every new analysis has the potential not only to challenge old theories but also to open up unexpected prospects for future discoveries.
RUSSPAIN.COM reports that Professor Vil Rubruck is one of the leading experts on early human history in Europe. His team from Leiden University regularly participates in international archaeological projects and studies the oldest finds across Eurasia. The Grănceanu site in Romania has been known since the 1960s, yet it still sparks heated debate among scholars. Discussions on early hominin migrations continue, and new discoveries could change our understanding of the past.
