January
07
/ 2026
Researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that Neanderthals repeatedly deposited horned animal skulls in a Spanish cave over thousands of years, suggesting a culturally transmitted ritual practice that challenges our understanding of these ancient humans' cognitive abilities. Deep within the limestone chambers of Des-Cubierta cave in Spain's Lozoya Valley, archaeologists have identified what appears to be one of the most intriguing examples of Neanderthal symbolic behavior ever discovered. The cave contains at least 35 crania belonging to large herbivores - primarily aurochs and steppe rhinoceroses - all bearing prominent horns. What makes this collection extraordinary is not merely its size, but the deliberate, repetitive nature of the deposits and the complete absence of other skeletal remains from these animals. All About
