A camera sealed 40 thousand years ago was found in a Neanderthal cave
In the Vanguard Cave (Gibraltar), a sand-filled cavity was discovered that remained closed for tens of thousands of years. Scientists believe that this find will help to learn more about the Neanderthals who once lived there, reports Live Science.
Analysis showed that the sand that covered the entrance was about 40 thousand years old. Consequently, the camera itself appeared even earlier.
The cavity reaches 13 meters in length and is covered with stalactites. On the floor of the cave chamber, the researchers found the remains of a lynx, hyenas and griffon vultures, as well as a large mollusk, a type of sea snail that was probably brought into the chamber by a Neanderthal. Representatives of this extinct species lived in Eurasia 200-40 thousand years ago.
Scientists plan to conduct further excavations and more thoroughly investigate the deposits. They hope that the burials of Neanderthals have been preserved in the cave.
Four years ago, a baby tooth of a four-year-old Neanderthal was discovered near the camera. Scientists came to the conclusion that the child was grabbed by hyenas and dragged to their hiding place.
This is far from the only evidence of the presence of Neanderthals in the Gorema cave complex. So, earlier archaeologists discovered carving, which may be one of the earliest examples of Neanderthal art. Other finds have shown that Neanderthals butchered seals, plucked feathers from birds of prey to wear as jewelry, and made tools.
It is believed that the Neanderthals became extinct about 40 thousand years ago. The caves in Gibraltar may have been the last place where their settlement existed.
Earlier in the Netherlands, a sculpture of a smiling Neanderthal was presented. They named him Krain.
