Oldest Rock Art: 200,000-Year-Old Carvings Found on Stone in Marbella, Spain
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Marbella, Spain, unearthing a stone with ancient engravings on its face that could rewrite the history of prehistoric art. The find suggests that early humans may have been engaging in symbolic expression far earlier than previously believed, as this ancient rock art may predate the previous oldest samples in Europe by more than 100,000 years.
The stone was discovered at the Coto Correa site in the Las Chapas neighborhood of Marbella, which is located in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia. Researchers currently estimate that the engravings are more than 200,000 years old, a timeframe that places them deep within the Lower Paleolithic era. The maker of the engravings would have been part of an early wave of human migrants to leave Africa and move into Europe, with much larger waves destined to duplicate this journey later on.
If these estimates are confirmed, this could be one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Spain’s history, as it will literally require the rewriting of textbooks and other official resources that discuss the development of art as a form of human self-expression.The Rock Art Makers Were at it Early at Coto Correa
The Coto Correa site itself has long been a point of interest for archaeologists, as it has been producing evidence of early human activity for decades. Since the 1950s, when stone tools were first found there, researchers have been pouring over Coto Correa, seeking remains and artifacts from tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years in the past.
View from inside a cave featuring rock art samples in Spain, one of many locations where ancient rock art has been found on the Iberian Peninsula. (Joanbanjo/CC BY-SA 3.0).
The newly discovered artifact that is creating such a buzz is a stone block made from gabbro, a volcanic rock, which features a series of deliberate, linear carvings aligned at various angles on its flattest side. Unlike the more widely known prehistoric cave paintings of the Upper Paleolithic, these engravings are strictly geometric in nature. They do not depict animals, humans, or recognizable objects, at least not as far as anyone can tell, which raises the question of their purpose and meaning.
Its possible the markings could have served as a form of early record-keeping, perhaps tracking events, quantities of objects, or notable achievements. Some suggest the markings could function as a form of property identification, designating ownership over the stone itself. Alternatively, these carvings may have held symbolic or ritualistic significance, which if true would prove an intriguing glimpse into the cognitive abilities of ancient humans.
Regardless of their specific meaning, just the fact that such engravings exist is astounding. If their age is confirmed, they would predate the oldest known cave art by an astonishing margin—over 100,000 years—challenging long-held assumptions about when humans first developed the cognitive capacities associated with art-making.
Until now, the roots of prehistoric rock art have been assumed to trace back to the Upper Paleolithic era, beginning around 50,000 BC. Cave paintings and engravings from that period have been found throughout Europe, frequently in caves and other times on large rocks or cliff faces. The choice of rock art themes suggests a desire to communicate about daily life in some instances, and an interest in conveying more complex ideas about nature, mythology and spiritual interests in others.
This discovery not only extends the timeline of artistic expression far back into time, but also offers further evidence of human presence in the region around Marbella during the Early Middle Paleolithic period, complementing the stone tools that have been found previously.
Outdoor rock art site in Spain. (Joanbanjo/CC BY-SA 3.0).
Scientific Analysis and Preservation Efforts
To verify the age and authenticity of the engravings, researchers have launched a thorough scientific study using state-of-the-art technology. Dating methods will include sediment analysis, with quartz-based techniques playing a key role in establishing a precise timeline for the artifact. Additionally, high-resolution 3D scanning will be used to document the engravings in meticulous detail, ensuring that every mark is preserved digitally for further study.
By employing these advanced methods, researchers will be able to distinguish between intentional carvings and natural geological formations. This process will also create a digital record that will be accessible to scholars and the public alike, further increasing awareness of the significance of this find.
Recognizing the significance of this discovery, the Marbella City Council has allocated €8,000 (approximately $8,700 USD) to fund further research and preservation efforts. If ongoing studies confirm the estimated age of the engravings, Marbella could emerge as a critical site for Paleolithic research, drawing interest from scholars and archaeologists worldwide.
The implications of this finding extend beyond archaeology, as it provides valuable insight into the intelligence and ingenuity of early human populations. The mere existence of symbolic carvings suggests that these ancient people were not only surviving but also thinking, recording, and perhaps even communicating ideas in ways that we are only beginning to understand.
As scientists continue to investigate the significance of this engraved stone, it is clear that past ideas about the development of rock art will have to be abandoned. What was once assumed about early humans and their intellectual capacities is now being challenged, as it seems our ancestors may have been far more advanced than we ever imagined.
Top image:Stone slab with engravings on its surface found in Marbella, Spain.
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