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Ancient Cave Reveals Neanderthal Secrets
15 Feb
Summary
- A 13-meter chamber sealed for at least 40,000 years was discovered.
- Archaeologists found animal remains and carnivore scratch marks.
- The discovery offers insights into Neanderthal survival skills and culture.
A remarkable 13-meter chamber, sealed for at least 40,000 years, has been discovered in Vanguard Cave, Gibraltar. This significant find within the UNESCO World Heritage site Gorham's Cave Complex has yielded animal remains, including those of lynx and hyaena, alongside mysterious scratch marks on the walls.
The discovery offers profound insights into the existence and survival skills of Neanderthals. Archaeologists have been diligently working in Vanguard Cave since 2012 to explore its potential. The chamber's contents, including a large whelk transported far from the coast, suggest complex behaviors.
The Gorham's Cave Complex, comprising four caves, provides evidence of Neanderthal occupation spanning over 100,000 years. Findings related to their hunting techniques, use of feathers for adornment, and abstract rock engravings are crucial to understanding human evolution.
