Common Misconceptions About the Stone Age

If you thought Stone Agers simply let their cavity-riddled teeth rot right out of their mouths, think again. In 2017, researchers published a study suggesting that Neolithic dentistry may have had a thing or two in common with today’s procedures. The cavities in two 13,000-year-old teeth appeared to have had decayed tissue scraped out with a stone or other sharp object; and the holes were then filled with bitumen, a natural (and waterproof) tar.

In general, we tend to underestimate our prehistoric ancestors—and on this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd is revealing exactly in what ways. While Stone Age foodies weren’t indulging in all our modern-day delicacies, they also weren’t exclusively eating food that we’d be unable to identify. For example, scientists found dry-cured goat meat In the stomach of famed mummy Ötzi the Iceman. Turmeric, capers, coriander, and charred fish have also been discovered in human remains from the era.

Life wasn’t all hunting and gathering, either—and hunting wasn’t just done by men. Press play below to find out more.

For more Mental Floss videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.