Scientists found an 8-year-old Neanderthal child in a Belgian cave, and DNA from her molar is helping reveal a hidden chapter of our ancient past

The Scladina child was an approximately eight-year-old Neanderthal who lived more than 120,000 years ago in what is now Belgium. Her remains from Grotte Scladina have provided researchers with evidence about Neanderthal childhood development and ancient population history. Genetic studies of the remains have also helped scientists understand relationships between early European Neanderthals and populations that lived later.