By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In Fayette County, human remains dating back approximately 4,270 years were discovered near the Whitewater River. The skull fragment, found by a landowner in June, was analyzed by the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center and the University of Georgia, confirming its age. The coroner’s office is now collaborating with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to determine the next steps for the remains. This significant find emphasizes the long history of human presence in the area.
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4,270-year-old human skull found in Indiana is a stark reminder of the deep history embedded within the American continents, a history far predating any European contact. The fact that this skull, and presumably associated remains, were found in Indiana immediately sparks curiosity. It’s interesting, and perhaps a little surprising, that the article doesn’t mention the discovery of any other skeletal elements. One wonders if this was a lone find, or if other bones were present but didn’t survive the millennia.
Was the skull the only bones to survive this long? The simple answer is, we don’t know. The article doesn’t specify, leaving the question open. The fact that a single skull, remarkably, endured the ravages of time and the elements raises a number of questions, begging for further investigation. It immediately makes you think of the possibilities of what might have occurred: Was it a burial ritual, perhaps a carefully preserved skull, or simply a fluke of preservation?
Can they estimate the age the person lived to and their health from the bone? Absolutely. From the skull itself, and the type of bone that remains, archaeologists and anthropologists can learn a great deal. They can examine the teeth for wear and tear to roughly estimate age at the time of death. The bone can show signs of diseases or injuries, offering glimpses into the health and lifestyle of the person.
A amazing discovery that will hopefully give us more knowledge of history. This kind of find is a treasure trove of information. It represents a window into the past, offering the potential to learn about the people who inhabited the area, their culture, and their lives. It’s significant because it helps us understand the long and complex history of human presence in North America.
Do you think they’ll catch the killer? Well, given the timeline, that’s highly unlikely. The question is tongue-in-cheek, of course, highlighting the almost comical incongruity of applying modern crime-solving techniques to a case from over 4,000 years ago.
>*Human remains discovered along a riverbank in Fayette County have been determined to be more than 4,200 years old, the local coroner announced Monday.* This, of course, is the core of the story. This single sentence holds a wealth of information, from the location of the find (Fayette County, Indiana) to the age of the remains, verified by the local coroner.
The irony as we celebrate Columbus discovering America today. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, provides important context. It serves as a direct counterpoint to the traditional narrative of Columbus, and highlights the fact that the Americas were inhabited by thriving cultures long before any European contact.
Call ice this seems like a valuable use of their resources That makes sense to me. The discovery, and the investigation that will follow, are a valuable use of resources. The potential for expanding our understanding of pre-Columbian America makes this a worthwhile endeavor.
Fascinating. I hope they’re able to get some DNA from it. The prospect of recovering DNA is incredibly exciting. If successful, it could tell us a great deal about the genetic makeup of the person, and potentially link them to other populations, either past or present.
Columbus didn’t discover America, the indigenous people did at least over 10,000 years ago. Correct, and this point is crucial. The narrative that Columbus “discovered” America is Eurocentric and ignores the millennia of human habitation and cultural development that preceded his arrival.
He’s going to have to wait a long time for IU football to be good. This comment offers levity, a humorous observation of the long-term implications of a discovery from 4,270 years ago.
Christians are gonna call it fake. Fake news. Fake skull. God created the world 4000 years ago. The comments about the possibility of religious skepticism, particularly regarding the age of the remains, is interesting.
Don’t let Buster Bluthe near it. This is clearly a reference to some type of social commentary or dark humor.
Sounds like murder to me. Another ironic comment, implying that foul play is still a potential avenue of inquiry even after so long.
Is this unusual or significant? Yes, absolutely. The discovery of a human skull from this time period is both unusual and significant. It adds a valuable data point to our knowledge of the past.
Ehhh the Vikings were the first Europeans to hit North America. Even to this day, the Italians lag behind. The Viking discovery of North America should be acknowledged as well, a more relevant event than the Columbus situation.
First victim of gun violence discovered in America. This is, of course, a joke.
Jkjk before someone comes to say well acktshually theres no evidence yadda yadda. The comments surrounding that are all jokes.
Wait, that was long before Columbus discovered America. How can that be? A valid question. The implication is that the human skull was found far before Columbus came to the American continents.
Is it David Letterman’s skull? A humorous question.
Yes humans began crossing the Bering Strait land bridge over 30,000 years ago. Goes to show how long we’ve survived being as hard headed as we are. This brings up the timeline of human migrations into the Americas.
Wrong, obviously Christopher Columbus was the first person in America! The comment shows sarcasm.
/s This is more interesting as a lead of where humans might have been. If archaeologists could do what ever they wanted, they would want to prove the area in search of other remains or signs of artifacts. This is a comment about archaeological interests in that region of the land.
If they think they can get away with it, they’re dead wrong. This again implies a humorous, joking response.
It was found on Herb Baumeister’s farm… This would be a dark joke.
Depends if the body was red or blue. This implies a political joke.
>The announcement came on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which Richardson said provides important context for the discovery. This announcement does give context.
>”This remarkable discovery is a powerful and humbling reminder that people have walked this land, our home in Fayette County, for millennia,” he said. This is very true.
It was intentional and with well-meaning. And call native Americans “Indians” to this day. The stupidity is strong with us. A point that’s all too common.
It’s a human skull, obviously that means there’s war going on there. This is a joke.
Why would antifa murder someone so long ago? A joke, and a comment regarding the political.
Reddit try not to make everything political challenge. This is a joke, also a comment.
Difficulty: Never gonna happen. Yep. Another joke.
I think most scholars just assume that humans have been rattling around N. America for at least 15,000 years. This is a correct statement.
So this barely qualifies as News imo. The comment provides information that is accurate.
My friend, it’s more than likely at least 20,000+ years ago for the original migration to the Americas. This provides further information.
This date is now at least over 20,000 years following carbon-dating of footprints in New Mexico. More valid information.
There is a chance that this could be pushed back to over 100,000 years, however the present evidence is inferential rather than direct. More information.
Happy Indigenous Peoples Day! A nice closing, and also a reminder.
At least last I saw some close to 20k in South America. This is another reminder.
Does anyone argue differently? This is asking questions.
Even if you’re just looking at Europeans discovering America the Vikings beat him by about a half millennia. Information on this matter.
When people say “discovered,” they mean in the context of a trade route from Europe (which would probably go more to Vespucci). Nobody is claiming humans didn’t already live on the American continents. That’s not how that works. This is a correct reminder.
The article doesn’t make any such claim. Am I miss-reading this? This is also a question.
Because Indiana football is currently ranked 3rd. This is a funny comment.
I think young earth creationists still make up a minority of christians. Or, at least, I hope most christians aren’t that dumb. This is a commentary.
Chinese historians: Are you *fucking* high, Christians? We’ve evidence we’ve been around far longer than that. This is another reminder.
I have a friend who just became one of those. Argues profusely that radiocarbon dating is a hoax while refusing to acknowledge the same religious texts he believes in were validated using the same technology. This shows a commonality, with a friend.
Christians: Cool, good job. We enjoy history too. Thankfully, Christians and people who consider themselves religious are declining year after year. This is a valid comment.
[deleted] This shows that there are deletions occurring.
Once science proved that wrong. Christians suddenly change their belief about young earth theory. This provides more information.
Very significant for anyone studying the migration and settlement of First Peoples across the continent. The comment provides a point.
Not particularly true. Humans arrived in North America at least 16-20kya ago, and most likely peopled the continent by a coastal boat migration route and not over the land bridge. Information.
A great American, that Columbus. Huge deal, his discovery of the Western Hemisphere. All the way around the world they said he went, isn’t that something? Great man, great American that Columbus. This is sarcasm.
Sarcasm tags ruin all sarcasm. Another comment.
He was a time traveler? Again, a joke.