Vanguard Cave, Archaeological cave at the Rock of Gibraltar, United Kingdom
Vanguard Cave is an archaeological site within the limestone of the Rock of Gibraltar containing multiple sediment layers. The space shows clearly how different materials have accumulated and layered over thousands of years.
The site was occupied by Neanderthals roughly 55,000 to 28,000 years ago, as excavations beginning in 1989 have revealed. The discoveries show a long history of habitation at this location in prehistoric times.
The cave displays how Neanderthals lived and hunted here - animal bones and simple tools tell the story of their daily existence. Visitors can observe which animals they hunted and how they processed their food.
Access to the cave is restricted and available only through supervised visits to protect the archaeological finds. Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are important because conditions inside are cool and damp.
A hidden chamber was discovered in 2021 containing special finds, including a dog whelk shell that must have been deliberately carried into the cave. This discovery suggests the early inhabitants may have intentionally collected and brought objects into the space.
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