Engis 2

Engis 2 refers to a specific fossil discovery from the Engis Caves in Belgium. It is a significant find in paleoanthropology, representing one of the earliest discovered and recognized Neanderthal fossils. The "2" designates it as the second major hominin fossil discovered at the site.

The Engis 2 fossil consists primarily of a skullcap and some associated skeletal fragments. It belonged to a child, estimated to be around 5-6 years old at the time of death. While originally identified as belonging to a modern human child, further analysis in the 20th century, particularly through the work of scientists such as Marcellin Boule, revealed its Neanderthal features.

The initial misidentification was partly due to prevailing scientific understanding at the time, which often favored a linear model of human evolution. Neanderthals were often seen as primitive ancestors rather than a separate, contemporaneous species. The juvenile nature of the specimen also made the distinct Neanderthal characteristics less pronounced.

Engis 2, alongside other early Neanderthal discoveries like the Neanderthal 1 fossil from Germany, played a crucial role in establishing the existence and characteristics of this distinct human lineage. It provided vital evidence for understanding the physical features, geographic distribution, and ultimately, the evolutionary relationship of Neanderthals to modern humans. The fossil is currently held at the University of Liège, Belgium.