DAMASCUS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Human remains dating back to 100,000 years ago have been discovered by a Syrian-Swiss excavating mission in Tadmor at the heart of the Syrian desert, the official SANA news agency reported on Sunday.

Head of the Tadmor Antiquities and Museums Department Walid Asaad said more research was underway to identify the remains and the people who lived there.

Ancient tools and blades made of hard stone found in the remains revealed great abilities and mastery of the people at that time, he said.

He added that there were various signals indicating that fire had also been used in that area.