12,000-Year-Old 'Man of Los Vilos' Reveals Ancient Human Strength and Healing

• A 12,000-year-old skeleton, dubbed 'Man of Los Vilos,' found in Chile, challenges perceptions of ancient human health.
• Discovered at the Los Rieles archaeological site in Coquimbo during sewage pipeline work, not a planned excavation.
• The individual, aged 40-45, exhibited strong teeth and evidence of a healed broken rib, indicating remarkable physical fitness and healing capabilities.
• Dietary analysis suggests a primary reliance on fish and seafood, with high nitrogen levels consistent with marine consumption.
• Archaeologist Cesar Mendez highlights that this Homo sapiens sapiens possessed physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities similar to modern humans.

Why It Matters: Ancient humans, exemplified by the 'Man of Los Vilos,' were surprisingly robust, healthy, and resilient.