An archaeological discovery in Gibraltar’s Vanguard Cave has revealed a unique combustion structure built by Neanderthals approximately 65,000 years ago. The study, recently published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews, suggests that Neanderthals used this structure to produce tar from resinous plants, a material likely used as an adhesive in tool-making.
The structure, described by researchers as a specialized type of “hearth” or underground chimney, is located in a cave that forms part of the Gorham’s Cave complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts multiple Neanderthal occupation sites in the Gibraltar Strait region.
The discovery represents one of the oldest pieces of evidence of complex fire-management technologies applied in the Middle Paleolithic, revealing a controlled use of fire not only for survival but also for creating advanced materials.
The research team, composed of experts from various international institutions, found evidence that the structure was carefully designed. The construction includes a central circular cavity with channels extending in several directions.
This design, researchers indicate, might have allowed Neanderthals to regulate airflow and temperature within the structure—an essential aspect for producing tar from resinous vegetation, such as plants of the genus Cistus.
To test this hypothesis, scientists conducted geochemical and microscopic analyses on sedimentary remains from the structure. The tests detected specific compounds, such as levoglucosan and retene, which are typically formed during the combustion of resinous plants.
Additionally, experiments with present-day Cistus plants were conducted, replicating conditions at the archaeological site, and the results showed that, under controlled anoxic conditions, it is possible to obtain tar in sufficient quantities for practical use.
This type of tar would have served as an adhesive to attach stone tools to wooden handles, a crucial technology for the survival of Neanderthal communities.
The ability to produce tar from natural resources is a remarkable achievement for Neanderthals, the researchers note. It demonstrates that they mastered complex combustion processes and could adapt their environment to meet their technological needs.
This discovery strengthens the view of Neanderthals as a species that developed complex cognitive and technical skills, adapting to their environment with technological innovations.
SOURCES
Juan Ochando, Francisco J. Jiménez-Espejo, A Neanderthal’s specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention. Quaternary Science Reviews, November 2024, 109025. doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.109025
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