“Tar factory” from 60,000 years ago
A structure that may have been used by Neanderthals to produce tar has been discovered in Vanguard Cave, part of the Gorham complex in Gibraltar. Archaeological research has revealed that the newfound heart is a technological system, used some 60,000 years ago. It consisted of a shallow pit with vertical walls and two trenches, allowing for the controlled pyrolysis of the leaves of plants from the Cistaceae family. The process produced a sticky substance used as an adhesive in tools and weapons.
How did the system work?
Scientists found that Neanderthals filled the pit with leaves of the rockrose plants, which they then sealed with wet sand to limit oxygen. Small twigs were stacked on top, controlling the temperature of the fire, which was crucial for effective pyrolysis. Modern experiments have shown that this system yielded enough tar to make two spears in four hours. Some evidence suggests that the material could also have been used for medical purposes, as a waterproofing agent or even as a perfume, underscoring the significance of this discovery.
Significance of the discovery
Research indicates that Neanderthals were technologically advanced creatures, as evidenced by the fact that they were able to precisely control the temperature needed to operate the hearth (about 150°C). They not only managed the fire, but also planned activities and cooperated on complex tasks.
Source: Quaternary Science Reviews, All That’s Interesting, Archaeology Magazine / Cover photo: www.iflscience.com
