Aineo wrote:However, it does call certain dating practices into question.
Chris Stringer, a Stone Age specialist and head of human origins at London's Natural History Museum, said: "What was considered a major piece of evidence showing that the Neanderthals once lived in northern Europe has fallen by the wayside. We are having to rewrite prehistory."
Is Chris Stringer also just a "bit-player" in this field?
Did Chris Stringer actually say this? A friend of mine e-mailed me a note from Chris about his 'quote', his reaction:
"This is a made-up quote as I never placed great weight on the significance of the Hahnofersand find in the first place. It was never called a Neanderthal as far as I know, but certain people saw "mixed" features in its morphology. Its removal is certainly not rewriting anything I have ever said about the Neanderthals, let alone rewriting prehistory! Best Chris"
Hmmm...never trust reporters either!