Oldest Neanderthal Engravings Have Been Preserved in a Cave for 57,000 Years

--------------------------------------------------------------- Scientists are continuing to learn more about Neanderthals and it turns out that these early Europeans were purposefully engraving cave walls in France well before homo sapiens arrived in the region. As published in a recent study, a cave at La Roche-Cotard in the Loire Valley demonstrates fascinating Paleolithic art that was sealed by rock for over 57,000 years. ​ Want a daily digest email featuring our latest articles? Stay updated and [subscribe here](=). ​ Ancient Engravings The cave in question was unknown until 1846. At that time, excavations in preparation for railroad expansion uncovered the mouth of the cave. Present researchers, who began studying it in 2016, determined that the cave became closed off to the world at least 57,000 years ago. During this period, the Loire often flooded, bringing sediment into the cave. This sediment eventually blocked the entrance, and it was minerals, such as the quartz in the rock, that the team tested using optically stimulated luminescence dating. Click the link below to learn more about these engravings. ​ ​[Oldest Neanderthal Engravings Have Been Preserved in a Cave for 57,000 Years](=)​ =​ ​ [READ IT NOW](=) ​ [Become a Member of My Modern Met](=)​ Support creativity when you become a [member of My Modern Met](=). Your contribution will help us to continue our mission of spreading creativity and positivity online. Members enjoy an ad-free reading experience, a special discount towards My Modern Met Store purchases, and more. Thank you for your support! ​ Jessica Stewart Staff Writer Thanks for subscribing to newsletters from [My Modern Met.]( To make sure our emails don’t get lost, [add us to your address book.]() UPDATE YOUR PREFERENCES: - Daily Newsletter: Whenever there is something new - Weekly Roundup: Weekly updates packaged into one convenient newsletter - Click here to change your [current preferences.]( [Unsubscribe]( | 121 Evergreen Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630