Neanderthal Crab Roast Leftovers Found in Portuguese Cave
Archaeologists have recently discovered what is believed to be the oldest known evidence of Neanderthals consuming shellfish. The discovery was made inside of a Portuguese cave, where remains of crab shells were found amongst the Neanderthal debris.
Excavation of the Cave
The excavation at the Portuguese cave dates back to 2009, when field workers started scouts examining the origins of the ancient humans that had inhabited the cave more than 100,000 years ago. The findings of the excavation revealed Neanderthal remains, yet amongst them came a surprise – a few crab shells in the center of the archaeological site.
Analysis of the Findings
The researchers performed a thorough analysis on the shells found in the cave and determined that the shells were of a local crustacean, which have been known to be commonly consumed by Neanderthals. Furthermore, the shells showed signs of being cooked, suggesting the shells were used for a feast that took place in the cave.
Evolutionary Implications
Given what is known about Neanderthals historically, the discovery of the cooked crab shells amongst the debris in the cave is significant because it reveals how far back the consumption of shellfish dates. This discovery provides new insight into the evolution of the Neanderthal diet, as well as the social significance of the species in their day-to-day lives.
Coming to a Conclusion
All in all, the discovery of the crab shells in a Portuguese cave suggest that the earliest known evidence of the Neanderthals consuming shellfish dates back to some 100,000 years ago. The findings offer fascinating insight into the dietary behaviours of Neanderthals which can help scientists further explore their evolutionary lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- Archaeologists recently discovered remains of crab shells inside of a Portuguese cave.
- The shells showed signs of being cooked, likely used for a feast by the Neanderthals.
- The discovery provides new insight into the evolution of the Neanderthal diet.
- The findings suggest the earliest known evidence of Neanderthals consuming shellfish dates back to some 100,000 years ago.
Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in a Portuguese cave – Neanderthal crab roast leftovers! The well-preserved remnants were found in the Cave of Figueira Brava, one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.
The discovery was made by a team of researchers from the University of Évora and is the first time prehistoric crab fuel has been discovered in the region. The team also found evidence of other shellfish including mussels, oysters and snails.
The cave is located in the Alentejo region of Portugal and has been known to be an important archaeological site since the 1970s. The presence of Neanderthal leftovers shows that they were fishing and gathering shellfish in the nearby waters, a tradition that is still practiced in the region today.
Analysis of the leftovers revealed that the crabs were likely cooked in a hearth with hot stones and heated embers. This type of cooking method has been found at other Neanderthal sites in Europe and is thought to be the way that many Neanderthals prepared their meals.
The discovery of the leftovers provides evidence of early human behavior, showing how they were able to adapt and make use of the resources available to them. In this case, Neanderthals demonstrated the ability to identify and exploit seafood resources in the nearby waters. This is further proof of their advanced cognitive abilities.
In conclusion, the discovery of Neanderthal crab roast leftovers in the Portuguese Cave of Figueira Brava is a remarkable one that sheds light on the behavior and dietary habits of our early ancestors.
