Cueva de los Aviones, Archaeological site under Navidad Fort in Cartagena, Spain
The coastal cave formation contains extensive collections of perforated shells and pigments within its limestone and dolomite walls.
Excavations beginning in 1985 revealed evidence of Neanderthal habitation, including stone tools and animal bones dating back 115,000 years.
The discovery of orange, black, and red pigments on shells indicates early human decorative practices and represents the oldest known personal ornaments worldwide.
The cave measures only 4 square meters for excavation due to partial submersion caused by rising sea levels over millennia.
When inhabited, the cave stood 2-7 kilometers from the shoreline, demonstrating substantial geographical changes in the Spanish Mediterranean coast.
Location: Cartagena
GPS coordinates: 37.58536,-0.98574
Latest update: July 3, 2025 23:45
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