A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Siena in Italy revealed the oldest known case of a human with blue eyes, found in a child born 17,000 years ago, who lived a short life under harsh conditions. The child's remains were found inside a cave in the Monopoli region in southwestern Italy in 1988, and according to genetic analysis, the child had blue eyes, dark skin, and curly black-brown hair. According to the study, published in the journal "Nature Communications", the child suffered from serious health challenges such as cardiomegaly, a congenital heart condition that often leads to increased thickness of the heart muscles and can cause sudden death at an early age. It is estimated that the child's age at the time of his death did not exceed 18 months.

The child's skeleton was found in 1988 in a cave in southern Italy (University                                                              of Siena)

Despite his small frame, measuring just 82 centimeters, scientists were able to deduce more details about his health during and before birth by examining his teeth and bones, indicating that the child suffered from physiological stress, in addition to his mother suffering from malnutrition during pregnancy, reflecting the difficult conditions that surrounded them during the last Ice Age.

Back in the history of genes:

Blue eyes are not a common trait in humans, and only appeared recently several thousand years ago. Scientists believe that the mutation responsible for the appearance of blue eyes is related to cutaneous albinism II, a genetic condition characterized by a significant decrease or complete absence of melanin production in the skin, hair and eyes, and this trait was prominently present in the child's DNA.

Prior to this discovery, the oldest known human with blue eyes was the “Villabruna Man,” who lived 14,000 years ago. The genetic similarities between the child and the Villabruna Man suggest that the child’s clan may have been ancestors of the Villabruna lineage. Interestingly, DNA analysis of the child revealed that his parents were likely first cousins, a rare occurrence during the Paleolithic but more commonly documented in the Neolithic. This close family relationship may have contributed to his health problems.

The Evolution of the Human-Diet Relationship:

In addition, the infant's inability to digest milk as an adult highlights the changing relationship between humans and their diet over the ages. Like his contemporaries, the infant lacked the genetic mutations that allow for lactose tolerance, a trait that did not become widespread in humans until much later.

The child’s remains, found without any funerary artifacts or decorations, reflect a practical and simple lifestyle during the Paleolithic era. However, his story, which modern science has been able to unravel, is a testament to the resilience and unique ability to adapt to the early humans. The genetic mutation responsible for his blue eyes, which millions of people around the world share today, highlights the deep genetic links between humans and their ancient ancestors.

These discoveries provide a unique insight into the physical and genetic characteristics of prehistoric peoples, as well as shedding light on the social and environmental challenges these societies faced. Despite his short life, this Ice Age child leaves a legacy full of stories of struggle and the ongoing human quest for survival.

Blue eyes are not a common trait in humans, and only appeared recently,                                            several thousand years ago. (Getty)