Fragments of a partial skull unearthed in a cave in northern Spain have revealed a previously unknown population of ancient humans, according to new research.

A fragment of a face from a human ancestor is the oldest in Western Europe, according to the results published Wednesday in the journal Nature.

A fossil of a partial face from a human ancestor is the oldest in western Europe, archaeologists reported Wednesday. The incomplete skull — a section of the left cheek bone and upper jaw – was found in northern Spain in 2022.

The prehistoric facial bones were found buried in 50 feet of mud and silt, and are believed to be 1.1 to 1.4 million years old, researchers said.