These images, painted in ocher on the walls of three separate caves in Spain, are the oldest-known examples of cave art ever found. In addition, genetic evidence suggests that modern humans and Neanderthals were similar enough that they interbred with some frequency. Still, Soressi said the discovery that at least three instances of known cave art were created by Neanderthals is significant. Thanks to the new discovery, she added, we now know that Neanderthals and modern humans had that in common as well. “It is certainly possible to find as old or even older cave art in other parts of Europe or even outside Europe,” he said.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 22, 2018 19:05 UTC