These six paintings of seals have been discovered in the Nerja Caves near Motril, Spain. They are at least 42,000 years old and are the only known artistic images created by Neanderthal man.
Spanish scientists sent organic residue
found next to the paintings to Miami, where they were dated at being
between 43,500 and 42,300 years old.
They hope to establish the exact age
by testing parts of the paintings themselves, but their investigation
has been hampered by a lack of cash.
Antonio Garrido, in charge of preserving the caves, said the paintings could revolutionise our view of Neanderthal man, who is often portrayed as being monkey-like.
The Nerja Caves, an impressive series of enormous caverns, were discovered in 1959 by five boys out exploring. They are home to the world's largest stalagmite, standing 105ft (32m) tall.
Neanderthals lived in the caves before becoming extinct about 30,000 years ago, leaving behind flint tools. Later, prehistoric Homo sapiens used the caves, painting on the walls and leaving pottery, tools and skeletons.
Antonio Garrido, in charge of preserving the caves, said the paintings could revolutionise our view of Neanderthal man, who is often portrayed as being monkey-like.
The Nerja Caves, an impressive series of enormous caverns, were discovered in 1959 by five boys out exploring. They are home to the world's largest stalagmite, standing 105ft (32m) tall.
Neanderthals lived in the caves before becoming extinct about 30,000 years ago, leaving behind flint tools. Later, prehistoric Homo sapiens used the caves, painting on the walls and leaving pottery, tools and skeletons.
Neanderthals, who were known to eat seals, are thought to have died out from competition with Homo sapiens, although scientists recently suggested they were wiped out by climate change.
Previously the oldest works of art in the world were said to be 32,000-year-old images in the Chauvet Cave in southern France.
The caves
are open from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:30.
In July and August, the evening
visiting hours are from 16:00 to 20:00
Access is from the N340.
Tel: +34 952 529 520
It takes about an
hour to wander round all the caverns, more if you like caves. And these are
quite special. Apart from good lighting , the biggest impression
is made by the 60 metre high stalactic pillar in the furthest chamber. You can also see, high in the end
wall, a red light which marks the entrance to another bigger system still
unopened to the public.
Every June there is a Festival Of Music and Dance held in the auditorium in the first cave which provides a magical backdrop to ballet, classical music and singing. Top names perform and the seating is limited so enquire about tickets well in advance.
It is possible to explore some of the chambers and caverns not yet open to the public by joining a speleological group, consisting of a maximum 10 people over the age of 14. No special physical skills are necessary, so ring for details.
Scientists investigating cave fauna have recently discovered species that were thought to be extinct in the caves. Amongst these, in areas not open to the public, are scarab beetles and blind scorpions. Alberto Atinavt, department head at the University of Granada, is carrying out studies on the interior and exterior micro fauna of the cave.
The Cave of Nerja, which has been declared an Historic-Artistic Monument, is 4,283 m long, of which only a third can be visited by the public.
Every June there is a Festival Of Music and Dance held in the auditorium in the first cave which provides a magical backdrop to ballet, classical music and singing. Top names perform and the seating is limited so enquire about tickets well in advance.
It is possible to explore some of the chambers and caverns not yet open to the public by joining a speleological group, consisting of a maximum 10 people over the age of 14. No special physical skills are necessary, so ring for details.
Scientists investigating cave fauna have recently discovered species that were thought to be extinct in the caves. Amongst these, in areas not open to the public, are scarab beetles and blind scorpions. Alberto Atinavt, department head at the University of Granada, is carrying out studies on the interior and exterior micro fauna of the cave.
The Cave of Nerja, which has been declared an Historic-Artistic Monument, is 4,283 m long, of which only a third can be visited by the public.
Particularly impressive is the 32
m-tall Hall of the Cataclysm. It has been calculated that this space was
fashioned by the fall of 1,000 billion drops of water. The visitor's attention
will also be drawn to the Hall of the Phantoms and the Hall of the waterfall.
