Neanderthal cave with 60,000-year-old glue-making oven discovered in Britain

Archaeologists have made an important discovery in the Vangard Cave (Gibraltar), where one of the last known Neanderthal settlements in Europe was located. The results of the study, published in Quaternary Science Reviews, reveal new details about the technological achievements of our ancestors.

In a layer of sedimentary rocks dated 67-60 thousand years ago, scientists discovered an artificially created hearth of a special design. Unlike conventional cooking pits, this structure had a round shape with two channels and thick walls.

Chemical analysis of the find revealed traces of burning resinous plants, charred wood and microscopic ash particles. These findings indicate the production of tar from birch bark and other plants in an oxygen-free environment.

To confirm their theory, the researchers recreated a similar design and conducted an experiment. They were able to produce enough tar to secure two spearheads using only the materials available at the time.

This discovery demonstrates the high level of intellectual development of Neanderthals. Not only did they understand combustion and the basics of chemistry, but they also had the advanced cooperation and communication skills necessary to create complex tools.

If you want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine, subscribe to our Telegram channel!