Anthropolith

/ˈænθrəpɒlɪθ/ noun

Definition

A human fossil or the petrified remains of a human being.

Etymology

From Greek 'anthropos' (human) + 'lithos' (stone), literally meaning 'human stone.' This term developed in early paleontology as scientists began systematically studying fossilized human remains and ancient human artifacts.

Kelly Says

Before we had clear evolutionary evidence, finding an 'anthropolith' was considered miraculous—people thought it proved humans could literally turn to stone through some ancient catastrophe, especially after discoveries near volcanic sites.

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