Dr. Maite Arilla, researcher at IPHES-CERCA, will give a lecture entitled “Neanderthals: deconstructing myths, (re)constructing realities” on May 23 at 7 p.m. at the Manacor History Museum.

The talk will propose an updated approach to scientific knowledge about Neanderthals, one of the most emblematic human species of prehistory. Based on recent advances in archaeology and paleoanthropology, the conference will address how scientific research has contributed to questioning traditional ideas and stereotypes about these human groups, reconstructing a more complex and precise image of their biology, behavior, cognitive abilities and ways of life.

The activity will be given by Dr. Maite Arilla Osuna, PhD in Quaternary Archaeology and Human Evolution and researcher at IPHES-CERCA. He is currently part of the research team of the European project SCAVENGERS, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and directed by Dr. Jordi Rosell. His research is specialized in neotaphonomic studies, a discipline that analyzes the impact of current carnivores on bone remains to establish analogies with the processes that have affected archaeological sites of the past. The conference will take place at the History Museum of Manacor, will be accessible for people with reduced mobility and has limited places.