Neanderthals Ingenious Use of Fire

A 60,000-Year-Old Discovery

Archaeologists working at Vanguard Cave, part of the Gorham’s Cave Complex in Gibraltar, have uncovered an extraordinary 60,000-year-old hearth used by Neanderthals. This discovery challenges outdated stereotypes about Neanderthals as simple brutes and highlights their complex cognitive and technological capabilities.

(The entrance to the Gorham cave system, with Vanguard cave located deep within)

The Discovery and Its Implications

The hearth was located within a cave that had been sealed by sand for approximately 40,000 years, preserving it in remarkable condition. The excavation revealed a pit-like structure that served as an anoxic heating chamber, designed to extract tar from plants. Tar, a sticky resin, was crucial for creating adhesives, particularly for fastening stone tools onto wooden shafts.

Evidence of ash, charcoal, and traces of zinc and copper suggests that Neanderthals had developed an efficient and repeatable process for resin extraction. Researchers concluded that the tar was likely derived from the gum rockrose plant, abundant in the Mediterranean region, rather than birch trees, which were rare in that environment. This method mirrors techniques used in later human history to produce labdanum, a substance used in perfumes and medicines.

A Glimpse into Neanderthal Ingenuity

This discovery underscores the technological sophistication of Neanderthals. The ability to select appropriate plants, create an airtight environment for heating, and manage temperatures without burning the materials required advanced planning and understanding of chemical processes. Experimental archaeology validated the feasibility of their methods.

In addition to their practical skills, Neanderthals exhibited behaviors associated with symbolic thinking and aesthetic appreciation. They collected black feathers, possibly for decorative purposes, used medicinal plants, and even created early forms of art. Such evidence reveals a nuanced and adaptable intelligence, far removed from the “caveman” trope.

(The pit within the cave is believed to have been used to extract tar from various plants, probably to use as glue for their tools)

Significance of the Gorham’s Cave Complex

The Gorham’s Cave Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long been a treasure trove of Neanderthal history. Prior findings include tools, bones, and markings interpreted as primitive art. These caves have provided unparalleled insight into the daily lives and cultural practices of Neanderthals, making them key to reshaping our understanding of these early humans.

Who Were the Neanderthals and what happened to them?

Neanderthals, scientifically known as Homo neanderthalensis, were an extinct species of hominins that lived across Europe and parts of western Asia between approximately 400,000 and 40,000 years ago. Closely related to modern humans (Homo sapiens), they shared a common ancestor with us, likely diverging from that lineage around 700,000 years ago.

Physically, Neanderthals were robust and stocky, with large brow ridges, wide noses, and a strong build adapted to cold climates. Their brains were comparable in size to, and in some cases larger than, those of modern humans, suggesting significant cognitive abilities.

Archaeological evidence indicates that Neanderthals were skilled toolmakers, used fire, and had a diet that included meat, plants, and possibly seafood. They created symbolic art, buried their dead, and may have had rudimentary language, indicating complex social structures and cultural practices.

Neanderthals went extinct about 40,000 years ago, coinciding with the arrival of modern humans in Europe. The reasons for their disappearance are debated but may include competition with humans, climate change, or interbreeding. Indeed, many non-African populations today carry small percentages of Neanderthal DNA, a testament to their lasting impact on our genetic heritage. This shared history underscores their significance in the story of human evolution.

Broader Impacts

The Vanguard Cave Hearth exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration can uncover intricate details about ancient life. Archaeologists, chemists, botanists, and paleontologists contributed to this groundbreaking study, published in Quaternary Science Reviews. The findings not only enhance our understanding of Neanderthal technology but also open avenues for exploring similar sites worldwide.

This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that Neanderthals were innovative, resourceful, and capable of behaviors once thought exclusive to Homo sapiens. As researchers continue to unearth the secrets of the past, the story of Neanderthals becomes ever more fascinating and complex.