Ancient Neanderthal Wall Art Discovered in France, Dating Back 57,000 Years

A team of scientists has discovered finger markings inside a cave in France that are believed to have been made by Neanderthals more than 57,000 years ago. These markings, found on the walls of La Roche-Cotard cave in the Centre-Val de Loire region of northern France, are considered the oldest known engravings created by this extinct human relative. The findings, published in the journal Plos One, provide further evidence that Neanderthals were as complex and diverse as our own ancestors.

According to the researchers, the engravings have been dated back to over 57,000 years ago, making La Roche-Cotard the oldest decorated cave in France, and potentially in all of Europe. The team created 3D models of the markings, known as finger flutings, and compared them to known human markings. Based on the shape, spacing, and arrangement of the wall markings, the researchers concluded that they were intentionally made. The markings include circular, dotted, triangular, and wavy shapes, which may have symbolic significance, although the researchers cannot confirm this.

In addition to the wall markings, the team dated the sediments in the cave and found that it became closed off around 57,000 years ago, long before modern humans settled in the area. This, along with the presence of stone tools, provides strong evidence that the engravings were indeed created by Neanderthals.

The authors of the study state that these discoveries highlight the complexity and diversity of Neanderthal activities. They believe that our understanding of the relationship between Neanderthals and symbolic and aesthetic realms has significantly evolved in recent years, and the engravings in La Roche-Cotard cave contribute greatly to our knowledge of Neanderthal behavior. The authors assert that Neanderthals had elaborate and organized social behaviors that were not noticeably different from those of anatomically modern humans.