Publications
A Neanderthal's specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention
Researchers have uncovered a specialized Neanderthal hearth structure in Vanguard Cave (Gibraltar), dating back approximately 65,000 years. This discovery provides the oldest evidence of levoglucosan and retene in an archaeological context, suggesting the intentional use of fire to obtain birch tar—a key material for hafting tools. The study proposes that Neanderthals heated rockroses (Cistaceae) under controlled conditions using a guano-sand mixture, supported by experimental replication. Multiproxy evidence, including pollen analysis and chemical markers, confirms this hypothesis, advancing our understanding of Neanderthal technological sophistication and their ability to organize fire for specific purposes.
The “Archeology of the Light”: A multiproxy, interdisciplinary and experimental approach to Paleolithic subterranean activities.
A groundbreaking interdisciplinary approach, the A-LIGHT project, has significantly advanced our understanding of Paleolithic cave activities by focusing on rarely studied residues from lighting systems such as lamps, fireplaces, and torches. The study reveals critical insights into the selection of fuels, chronology, intensity of visits, and paleo-paths within caves. Experimental reproductions of Paleolithic firelight have provided essential data on visibility and accessibility, enhancing the realism of virtual simulations of Rock Art. This methodology is pivotal for a holistic understanding of subterranean environments, offering new perspectives on prehistoric lighting systems' functioning, duration, light intensity, and the minimum number and date of prehistoric incursions.
A bird's eye view of the Middle Palaeolithic: Avian Fossil Remains and Their Contribution to Neanderthal research in Eurasia
Neanderthals demonstrated sophisticated hunting strategies, including the targeted exploitation of gamebirds and wetland species for subsistence, contradicting earlier assumptions about their cognitive limitations. A multi-site analysis of avian fossil remains from Gorham's Cave (Gibraltar), Devil’s Tower Rockshelter (Gibraltar), Cova Negra (Spain), Scladina Cave (Belgium), and Tabun Cave (Israel) revealed consistent dietary patterns across Eurasia, with Neanderthals efficiently focusing on specific taxa. Ecological and taphonomic methods applied to these remains also indicated that Neanderthals occupied a stable bioclimatic niche regardless of geographical location, further supporting their adaptability and ecological knowledge.
On Gods and Caves: Comparing Cave-Sanctuaries in the Ancient Western Mediterranean
Cave-sanctuaries in the ancient western Mediterranean often retained their natural, monumental aspects, particularly when located remotely or accessible only by sea. This study compares three such sites—Gorham's Cave (Gibraltar), Es Culleram (Ibiza), and Grotta Regina (Sicily)—to explore how topographical, historical, and social contexts influenced their establishment and ritual activities. Challenges in interpretation arise from incomplete excavations, which frequently overlooked stratigraphy due to outdated methodologies.
Crag Martin neontology complements taphonomy at the Gorham's Cave Complex
A study at the Gorham's Cave Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for Neanderthal occupation, reveals that Eurasian Crag Martins (ECMs) exhibit remarkable fidelity to specific micro-sites within the complex, with over 90% recapture rate in caves where they were first caught. This behavior spans both within and between years, indicating strong site preference. The research also found significant differences in bird condition across these micro-sites, suggesting variations in roost quality that influence survivorship. Using mark-recapture methods, the study provides unprecedented insights into the fine-scale ecological dynamics of a species with a Pleistocene presence at the site, offering valuable implications for conservation and our understanding of long-term cave use by wildlife.
Night Capture of Roosting Cave Birds by Neanderthals: An Actualistic Approach
Neanderthals likely captured choughs (Pyrrhocorax, Corvidae) at night in cave refuges, a behavior supported by fossil evidence and actualistic experiments. The study reveals that Neanderthals exploited these birds systematically for food, facilitated by the birds' year-round use of nocturnal roosting sites and their tendency to flee into cavities when disturbed. Nighttime hunting with fire in caves, rather than daytime open-country pursuit, is proposed as the most plausible method due to the extreme difficulty of daylight captures. This finding sheds light on Neanderthal social, anatomical, technological, and cognitive capacities, challenging assumptions about their hunting strategies.
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