Ancient Cave "Drawings" Reveal Neanderthal Artistic Abilities

Scientists have identified the oldest intentional and non-utilitarian markings made by Neanderthals in the La Roche-Cotard cave in central France. The 57,000-year-old engravings, previously known to historians since the 1970s, are now considered "unambiguous examples of Neanderthal abstract design." Using photogrammetry, researchers created three-dimensional models of the cave walls, revealing the deliberate and structured nature of the markings. While the meaning of the designs remains unknown, the discovery adds to the growing evidence of Neanderthals' artistic intentionality and challenges the perception of them as less sophisticated than Homo sapiens.