A Neanderthal's specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention

Researchers have uncovered a specialized Neanderthal hearth structure in Vanguard Cave (Gibraltar), dating back approximately 65,000 years. This discovery provides the oldest evidence of levoglucosan and retene in an archaeological context, suggesting the intentional use of fire to obtain birch tar—a key material for hafting tools. The study proposes that Neanderthals heated rockroses (Cistaceae) under controlled conditions using a guano-sand mixture, supported by experimental replication. Multiproxy evidence, including pollen analysis and chemical markers, confirms this hypothesis, advancing our understanding of Neanderthal technological sophistication and their ability to organize fire for specific purposes.

Ochando, J., Jiménez-Espejo, F. J., Giles-Guzmán, F., Neto de Carvalho, C., Carrión, J. S., Muñiz, F., Rubiales, J. M., Cura, P., Belo, J., Finlayson, S., Martrat, B., van Drooge, B. L., Jiménez-Moreno, G., García-Alix, A., Lozano Rodríguez, J. A., Albert, R. M., Ohkouchi, N., Ogawa, N., Suga, H., et al. (2024). A Neanderthal’s specialised burning structure compatible with tar obtention. Quaternary Science Reviews, 346, 109025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.109025