Mysterious ‘oldest ever’ 200,000-year-old rock carvings are found in Spanish cave – and they could rewrite human history

ANCIENT rock carvings etched over 200,000 years ago could be the oldest ever uncovered, archaeologists believe.

The exciting discovery inside a Spanish cave could rewrite human history and shed light on how people first entered Europe.

Stone with possible 200,000-year-old carvings.
A simple cross-shaped design was discovered on a large stone slabCredit: Marbella Town Council
Stone with possible 200,000-year-old carvings.
Scientists believe it could be the earliest found in the Iberian peninsula – and possible the worldCredit: Marbella Town Council
Illustration of ancient carving, map showing location in southern Spain.

During an excavation at the Coto Correa site in the Marbella area of southern Spain, researchers discovered a simple ‘X’-shaped design scratched onto a stone slab.

Coto Correa, which has been under exploration since the 1950s, has yielded intriguing artefacts, such as some of the oldest stone tools ever uncovered in Europe.

Some of the finds date back to the early Paleolithic era, otherwise known as the Old Stone Age.

One of the discoveries is a giant block of stone, found in 2022, which bears the engraving in question.

The design is two simple lines that cross one another at a right angle.

The line carvings prove that humans had settled in southern Spain during the Early Middle Paleolithic era.

Researchers said this was “a period little known in Spain and unprecedented in the province of Malaga”.

They also said the carving could be more than 200,000 old – putting them in the running for the earliest ever found.

Spain’s oldest-known cave art until this find is from around 100,000 years ago.

The Marbella City Council noted that the unique stone discovered at the site, featuring a series of graphic representations of human origin, might predate the oldest cave art depictions by as much as 100,000 years.

Mystery as body of footless Roman with KNIFE in back found at ancient fort

Scientists are pouring over the engravings to get a more accurate prediction of when the carvings were created.

The council explained: “The techniques applied for absolute dating consist of quartz analysis of different sediment samples, which will allow for a precise chronology of the samples.”

Researchers are also planning to 3D scan the stone and digitally map it.

This will give them a detailed, virtual model of the set of markings.

The council said: “This will allow the entire surface to be studied in maximum detail, allowing for the identification of working marks and graphic elements.”

Digital mapping also allows scientists to tell the difference between natural wear and intentional tool marks.

The artist behind the engraving was likely part of a wave of Stone Age humans who migrated from northern Africa and into Europe, the scientists suspect.

If the carving is as old as archaeologists suspect, then the Coto Correa site could become key to understanding human migration and settlement across Europe, they said.

Aerial panoramic view of Marbella marina, Spain.
The discovery was made in the Las Chapas neighbourhood of Marbella, in southern SpainCredit: Getty
Picturesque narrow street with flower-filled window boxes and balconies.
Marbella is a popular tourist destination on Spain’s Costa del SolCredit: Getty
You May Also Like

Journalist Lea Salame, known for her bikini and smoking habit, is possibly the next French First Lady, while her husband Raphael Glucksmann, 45, aims for the presidency.

She’s landed one of French TV’s most coveted news jobs, but Léa…

Russians Fleeing Fireballs as Ukrainian Kamikaze Drones Target Putin’s Military Base

THIS is the dramatic moment Russians sprinted in terror as Ukrainian kamikaze…

The Mystery Unraveled: Why Eva Longoria Missed Lauren Sánchez’s Wedding

Eva Longoria appeared to snub friend Lauren Sánchez as she was a…

David Beckham Faces Fresh Heartache as Brooklyn Beckham Poses with In-Laws in Heartfelt Family Photos Honoring Nicola Peltz’s Beloved Father, Nelson

Brooklyn Beckham spent the weekend celebrating his father-in-law Nelson, posing in happy…

USPS warns against new scam targeting personal information and bank accounts

THE United States Postal Service has given a stark warning about a…

Newcastle Clubber Reported Missing by Girlfriend Found in Cambodian Jail on Drug Smuggling Charges

A man from the UK has been taken into custody in Cambodia…

Israel and Trump agree to terms for 60-day ceasefire deal in Gaza, with a warning to Hamas to accept or face escalating consequences

DONALD Trump said that Israel has agreed in principle to a 60-day…

Border Force agents break up human trafficking operation and detain Gambian citizen in small house who assisted in hiding £3 million in earnings

Witness the moment officials dismantled a multi-million dollar organization involved in smuggling…

Bob Vylan claims they are facing scrutiny for speaking out amid controversy over their anti-Israel Glastonbury show – with authorities now looking into their performance

Bob Vylan, a punk band, claimed today that they were facing criticism…

The current whereabouts of Chris Butler, the former police officer turned private investigator, drug dealer, and brothel manager, are unknown.

DISGRACED former cop Chris Butler promoted the 2010 reality TV concept P.I.…

“Discover How Simple Changes Can Increase Your Wealth by £86,000 – Begin with This Quick Quiz!”

There is one simple trick you need to boost your wealth by…

“Grandfather Provides Insight into Motive of Idaho Shooting Suspect Wess Roley in Attack Leading to Two Firefighters’ Deaths”

The alleged shooter who led firefighters into the Idaho forest with a…