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Date Published: 20/03/2025

Ancient sketches found in Spanish cave could change human history

Archaeologists in Marbella have uncovered engravings that may be 200,000 years old, potentially the oldest known human-made markings

A remarkable discovery in Marbella could reshape what we know about early humans. Archaeologists working in Las Chapas, Marbella, have found a stone block with engravings that could be up to 200,000 years old. If confirmed, this would make them the oldest known human-made markings, predating previously discovered cave art by an astonishing 100,000 years.

The stone was unearthed during an archaeological intervention at Coto Correa, a site recognised since the 1950s for its early Paleolithic stone tools. The recent find, a block of gabbro—a type of igneous rock—appears to feature a series of deliberately made engravings. Experts believe these markings may have been created by early humans during the Middle Paleolithic period, a time when our knowledge of human activity in this region remains limited.

The discovery was announced by Marbella’s Department of Culture, Education, and Historical Heritage, which has now launched an in-depth investigation. Researchers are using advanced 3D scanning techniques to analyse the engravings and are carrying out sediment analysis using quartz dating methods to determine the precise age of the find.

The implications of this discovery are significant. If verified, it would confirm that early humans inhabited this part of Spain far earlier than previously thought. More intriguingly, it raises questions about the cognitive abilities of these ancient populations—were they engaging in artistic or symbolic expression long before the cave paintings seen in places like France’s Chauvet Cave?

For now, researchers are proceeding with careful analysis to ensure the dating and interpretation are accurate. This find could provide a crucial missing link in our understanding of prehistoric human life on the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

Image: Ayuntamiento Marbella

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