Sima de las Palomas, Prehistoric cave in Mazarrón, Spain
Sima de las Palomas is a natural cave formed as a vertical shaft that descends about 18 meters into the ground. Located on a hillside about 123 meters above Mediterranean sea level, it holds many prehistoric remains from human occupation.
The cave was discovered in the 19th century during mining operations and later revealed as an important site from about 40,000 years ago. Scientific excavations uncovered a substantial collection of bones and tools from this distant period in human history.
The remains found here show how Neanderthals lived and worked in this place. Tools and bones reveal the skills they possessed and how they organized their daily life.
The site is difficult to access and is used mainly for research purposes with regular scientific excavations taking place. Visitors should check in advance whether a visit is possible and what access requirements might apply.
Among the remains are the bones of a young Neanderthal woman found together with a child, suggesting early burial practices. This discovery in southeastern Iberia offers rare insight into the social behavior of these ancient people.
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