16 800-year-old time capsule: Paleolithic dwelling in its original state
Categories: Nálezy nejenom s detektorem v západní Evropě
In the La Garma cave in northern Spain, archaeologists from the University of Cantabria have uncovered one of the best-preserved Palaeolithic dwellings in the world. The cave contains one of the most comprehensive collections of rock art in Europe, ranging from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Magdalenian. Less than 17,000 years ago, the cave was "sealed" by a rockslide and its contents have been preserved to this day.
La Garma Cave was inhabited by humans throughout the Upper Palaeolithic. Although it became inaccessible after a rockslide 16,800 years ago, people continued to live in the vicinity of the cave, as evidenced by theThe presence of hearths from the Middle Stone Age, graves from the Eneolithic and Bronze Age, and hillforts and tombs from the Iron Age and early Middle Ages. Despite the long history of use of the site, the prehistoric cave dwellings remained undiscovered until recently. It looks almost exactly as it did when the ancient inhabitants left it - with all the tools and other artefacts left on the floor.
The oval-shaped living space of approximately 5 square metres is defined by a series of stone blocks and stalagmites that have demolished the structure of sticks and skins that originally supported the nearby ledge of the cave wall. In the centre of the dwelling is a hearth, surrounded by a number of objects that were used by the ancient inhabitants of the cave in their daily lives. Tools for making stone, antler and bone artefacts, as well as weapons and tools for hunting and leatherworking have been left behind.
Among the 4,614 artefacts uncovered were artistic and decorative objects, including a bison bone engraved with the image of a human face and a bison - a completely unique Palaeolithic artefact of its kind ever discovered in Europe. Numerous amulets and pendants were also found, mostly made from the bones of animals, especially deer, horses and bison. There were many marine mollusc shells and more than 600 flint specimens. In addition to the Magdalenian dwelling, one of the most complex stratigraphic sequences in Europe was discovered in the cave, depicting 400,000 years of history.
The university research team continues to excavate and analyse using a range of non-invasive techniques to learn more about La Garma Cave while ensuring its necessary protection. Further details will be announced at a press conference at the National Archaeological Museum in February next year. The discovery provides a new insight into the lifestyle and cultural heritage of our Stone Age ancestors.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrlFcKwOLnM
Roman Nemec
Sources: iflscience.com, web.unican.es
La Garma Cave
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