Archaeologists in northern Spain have uncovered what they discover as one of the “ safe conserve Paleolithic dwellings in the earthly concern ” . Dated to 16,800 years ago , the living space in theLa Garmacave in Cantabria seem almost as it did when its ancient inhabitants abandoned the site , with peter and other artifacts strewn across the flooring .
in the beginning name in 1995 , La Garma wasinhabited by humansthroughout the Upper Paleolithic and contains one of the most utter collection ofrock artin Europe , span the Old Stone Age all the way up to the web site ’s desertion in the Magdalenian catamenia . It was at this sentence – around 17,000 age ago – that a rockfall occlude the entry to the cave , sealing its contents like a prehistoric time capsule .
However , while the main chamber may have been unaccessible for millennia , human race continue to occupy the smother caverns , as certify by the comportment of kitchen middens from the Middle Stone Age , Copper and Bronze Age graves , and Iron Age fort and tombs from both the Visigothic earned run average and Middle Ages . Despite the site ’s tenacious history of purpose , though , the ancient cave abode remained undiscovered until now .
consort to theUniversity of Cantabria , the oval - forge blank cadence around 5 metre squared ( 54 straight foundation ) and is delineated by a series of stone blocks and stalagmite , “ which fixed to the priming a structure made of sticks and hides supported by a nearby ledge in the cave bulwark . ” In the marrow of the living outer space is a hearth , beleaguer by a large number of items that would have been used in everyday life by the cave ’s ancient inhabitants .
These include peter used to produce stone , antler and bone artifact , as well as those utilized during the butchery of animals and the workings of hides . Among the 4,614 item retrieve so far , researcher also feel shaft , needle , and a “ proto harpoon ” .
In addition to these useful objects , the cave was found to check a number of artistic pieces , including an Bos primigenius bone engrave with the image of both an aurochs and a human face . accord to the investigator , this is the only artifact of its kind ever discovered fromPaleolithic Europe .
Pendants that would have been worn by the cave ’s habitant were also retrieved , with the majority of point being made of deer , horse , and bison bones .
Researchers are currently continue their excavation and analyses , using a series of non - trespassing technique so as to learn more about La Garma while at the same time ensure its continued conservation . Further detail about their discoveries are due to be declare at a press conference at the National Archaeology Museum in February 2024 .
