Neandertal built complex architectural structures in deep caves

Archaeologists in France and Spain have identified evidence of sophisticated architectural and symbolic behaviors by Neandertal populations living over 175,000 years ago.

Researchers analyzed the Bruniquel cave in France and the Des-Cubierta cave in Spain to understand how these early humans interacted with underground environments. The findings suggest that Neandertals possessed complex cognitive abilities, including the capacity for abstract thought and ritualistic behavior.

At the Bruniquel cave, Neandertals traveled more than 300 meters underground to break and arrange over two tons of stalagmites into large circles. One structure measures 6.7 meters by 4.5 meters and contains traces of hearths. Kim Génuite and her team from the université de Bordeaux used laser scanning and electrical resistivity tomography to reconstruct the original entrance and map the path the inhabitants took through the cave.

These findings indicate that Neandertals intentionally modified the internal landscape to create specific spaces. In the Des-Cubierta cave in Spain, Enrique Baquedano used geostatistics to reveal a "trophy room" where Neandertals deposited 35 skulls of large herbivores, including bison and rhinoceros. The skulls were placed in a narrow, winding gallery that is 87 meters long. The research shows that these deposits were made over generations as the gallery collapsed and was repeatedly reused.

Other sites, such as Cueva de Ardales, show Neandertals covering rock formations with ochre, which researchers suggest may represent early forms of parietal art. These discoveries challenge older views of Neandertals as primitive, showing instead a culture capable of artistic expression and symbolic rituals. Experts note that while these behaviors share similarities with modern humans, they may represent a unique form of intelligence.

Future research aims to identify more sites to provide a clearer picture of human evolution and the diverse ways our ancestors occupied the world.