Cueva del Tesoro.Credit: Ayuntamiento de Rincon de la Victoria.
A huge discovery has been made in the caves of Rincon de la Victoria. A research team found human footprints over 40,000 years old, the oldest recorded in the Mediterranean. This discovery was led by Pedro Cantalejo and supports the idea that the caves of Rincon were used by humans in ancient times.
The research team has dated the footprints found at nine different locations within the 44 caves that make up the Cantal cave system. The footprints were left on a wall, which was likely much wetter at the time, allowing the preservation of the marks over millennia.
Cantalejo explained that the footprints show gestures such as those of someone picking up an orange, as well as hands placed in an unusual position.
The study of the caves is ongoing, and the research approach has been renewed. The team has requested additional funding to continue the work, which will extend until the end of this year. The local authorities promised that more resources will be allocated to the investigation. More detailed results will be released in 2026, with a more precise report on October 9th, coinciding with International Prehistoric Rock Art Day.
The research team includes specialists from various Spanish and German universities, including María del Mar Espejo, Luis-Efrén Fernández, José Ramos, and Cristina Liñán.
Read here more news from Axarquia.
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