Discovered at a depth of 6.7m in the Arene Candide Cave 🇮🇹, this young hunter, known as the "Prince," is a remarkable find from the Upper Paleolithic period. His nickname, "Prince," is derived from the extraordinary grave goods that accompanied him, signaling the high status he likely held in his society. Standing at 1.7m tall, the young man was physically impressive, with strong arms—particularly his right arm, which was likely developed for throwing spears and legs honed through the constant exertion of hunting and foraging. Analysis of his bones reveals that his diet was rich in meat from wild animals, supplemented by fish and mollusks, indicating a varied and highly skilled approach to survival. His body, laid on its back and covered in red ochre, was surrounded by a remarkable array of grave goods. These included a cap made from hundreds of perforated shells, a long flint blade originating from France held in his right hand, a shell bracelet with a mammoth ivory pendant, four carved batons from elk antler, and two mammoth ivory buttons placed by his knees—artifacts that suggest he was not only a hunter but also an individual of significant cultural importance. The young hunter’s tragic death is thought to have been caused by a severe wound to his jaw and left shoulder, likely inflicted by a bear or a large cat. His burial, alongside the valuable items, hints at the rituals and beliefs of the Gravettian culture, which spanned from Portugal to Russia during the Upper Paleolithic. Fascinatingly, similarities have been discovered between this "Prince" and another hunter from 3,000 kilometers away in Sungir, Russia, reinforcing the notion of shared cultural practices across vast distances. This connection adds a rich layer of depth to our understanding of the ancient peoples who roamed Europe and beyond during this period. #drthehistories#