How many bathrooms have Neanderthals in the tile? (johnhawks.net)

Article summary

A Reddit user found a fossilized jawbone in their parents' newly installed travertine floor, which may be from a Neanderthal. The discovery raises questions about how many other people may have installed travertine with hominin fossils inside. Travertine is a type of limestone that can contain fossils, including those of humans, and is often used for decorative flooring and wall coverings. The article discusses the possibility of finding fossils in travertine and the importance of reporting such discoveries to the authorities.

Main themes

• Fossil discovery
• Travertine flooring
• Hominin fossils
• Archaeological finds
• Paleontology
• Human remains

What commenters say

• The discovery of a fossilized jawbone in a travertine floor is a remarkable and unexpected find that highlights the potential for archaeological discoveries in everyday objects.
• Reporting the discovery of human remains to the authorities is a necessary step, even if the remains are clearly ancient, to avoid potential legal complications.
• Involving the police in the discovery of ancient human remains is unnecessary and could lead to unwanted attention and potential safety risks.
• The definition of 'human' is complex and can be controversial, with some arguing that it should include all members of the genus Homo, while others limit it to Homo sapiens.
• The use of terms like 'humanoid' can be misleading and imprecise, and it is more accurate to use taxonomic terms to describe fossilized remains.
• The discovery of fossils in travertine flooring highlights the importance of collaboration between industries and paleontologists to preserve and study ancient remains.
• The potential consequences of not reporting the discovery of human remains, including the possibility of being investigated for a crime, are a concern for some individuals.