Neanderthals were an ancient species that once roamed Eurasia but disappeared around the time Homo sapiens arrived in Europe. Archaeologists have long been curious about the last Neanderthals and where they lived. Many believe that the Iberian Peninsula, which includes present-day Spain and Portugal, was the likely location of the last Neanderthal populations.
One of the reasons for this belief is the discovery of Mousterian tools in southern Iberia. These tools were commonly associated with Neanderthals and were prevalent in Europe until about 40,000 years ago. However, in southern Iberia, archaeologists have found Mousterian tools that were created after this time frame, suggesting that Neanderthals may have continued to live in the region despite changes in other parts of Europe.
Gibraltar, at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has been a significant site for Neanderthal research. In the early 1990s, excavations at Gorham’s Cave revealed Mousterian artifacts and charcoal remains. A study published in 2006 suggested that Neanderthals survived in this area until as recently as 22,000 years ago, but later research questioned these dates.
Recent studies have cast doubt on the idea of a definitive “last stand” for Neanderthals. While some sites like Cueva Antón in southeastern Spain have been proposed as potential locations for the last Neanderthal populations, the evidence remains uncertain due to the scarcity of stone tools and other artifacts.
Ultimately, the fate of the Neanderthals remains a mystery. Some researchers believe that Neanderthals may have been assimilated into modern human populations rather than going extinct separately. As archaeological techniques improve, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the final days of the Neanderthals.
Kristina Killgrove, an archaeologist specializing in ancient human skeletons, has contributed valuable insights to the study of Neanderthals. Her work has been featured in various scientific journals and popular publications, highlighting the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of our ancient human relatives.
