Remains of a Paleolithic hut from 16,800 years ago, discovered in La Garma Cave in Cantabria

Recent archaeological investigations carried out in La Garma Cave, Cantabria (Spain), have allowed for the detailed documentation of the remains of a Paleolithic hut built 16,800 years ago. It is one of the best-preserved prehistoric dwellings in the world.

The work was made possible thanks to the support of the PALARQ Foundation and the project of the International Institute of Prehistoric Research of Cantabria.

The hut was an oval space of about 5 square meters delimited by stones and stalagmites. It had a structure of sticks and hides leaning against the cave’s ledge.

In the center, there was a hearth where various daily activities took place, such as the manufacturing of stone, antler, and bone tools, as well as the processing of hunting pieces.

Over 4,600 objects have been cataloged, including deer, horse, and bison bones, 600 flint pieces, and antler and bone tools. Seashells and uniquely decorated bones were also found.

The excellent state of preservation of this Magdalenian habitat required two years of interdisciplinary work, applying innovative non-invasive techniques such as 3D mapping, soil analysis, and radiocarbon dating.

The discovery is highly relevant for understanding the lifestyle of hunter-gatherer groups in the Middle Paleolithic in the northern Iberian Peninsula.

La Garma is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Cantabria, including, in addition to the hut remains, significant sets of rock art, a long stratigraphic sequence of the last 400,000 years, and various later archaeological contexts.

Researchers continue to work at the site with the support of various institutions to preserve this exceptional historical testimony and gain a better understanding of past societies. A reproduction of this structure will be installed soon in the exhibition facility at the Rock Art Center created by the Government of Cantabria in the town of Puente Viesgo.

Sources

University of Cantabria | Cueva de la Garma (Official Site)

Share this article:

Researchers Make New Discoveries in Peña Miel Cave, the First Paleolithic Cave Excavated in Spain

First Paleolithic Use of Peat and Dung as Fuel Discovered in a Cave in Greece

Rare find in Germany: Complete Cave Bear Skeletons, Jaws, and Paleolithic Stone Tools Unearthed

The Discovery of Paleolithic Art Made with Charcoal in France will Allow for More Precise Dating

The entrance to the caves filmed by a drone

Prehistoric Subterranean Stilt Village in Italy Investigated, the Only One Known in Europe

In the depths of the Umm Jirsan cave system

People have been Living in Lava Tube Caves in Saudi Arabia for Millennia

Patagones, the “Three-meter-tall giants” that Magellan Found at the Southern Tip of America

Age of Exploration

Remains of a Paleolithic hut from 16,800 years ago, discovered in La Garma Cave in Cantabria

Sources

Patagones, the “Three-meter-tall giants” that Magellan Found at the Southern Tip of America

Why did the Iroquois Confederacy Declare War on Germany in 1942?

The Taam Ja’ Blue Hole in Chetumal Bay is the Deepest in the World and Could Contain Caves and Tunnels

The Impregnable Fortress of Vilars d’Arbeca, Built in the Iron Age with 5-Meter Thick Walls

The German General who Died Dressed in Tutu and Crown of Roses Dancing for the Kaiser

Lamian War, the Conflict that Marked the End of Athens’ Independence and the Decline of Greek City-States

Cosmic “Glitch” Discovered in Universal Gravity

Face of a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal Woman whose Remains were Found in Shanidar Cave Reconstructed

Neolithic Settlement of Vinča Culture, which Created Europe’s Oldest Proto-Writing, Found in Serbia

Chultun Discovered for the First Time Inside a Building in the Mayan City of Tulum

Evidence Reveals Surprising Dietary Practices of Pre-agricultural Human Groups in Morocco 15,000 Years Ago

Earth’s Rivers Carry Only 2.5 Percent of All Water on the Planet, According to NASA Study

TOPICS