Skull Discovered in 1933 Sheds Light on Ancient Human Species

Two new studies published in Science and Cell have shed light on a mysterious skull found in China, and in the process have provided insight into the lives of a previously little-known ancient human.

The “Dragon Man” skull was found in Harbin City, China, during an excavation in 1933. The skull, which was terrifically well-preserved, was kept by the discovering archaeologist because he feared authorities would confiscate the skull. In 2018, shortly before he died, the archaeologist donated the skull for analysis.