Thursday, 5th December 2024

Ancient Neanderthal Settlement Unearthed in Slovenia

Bones of cave animals and evidence of what is believed to be the oldest Neanderthal settlement in Slovenia have been discovered in a karst cave in the Ilirska Bistrica region in the southwest of the country, estimated to date back as far as 170,000 years.

Nestled high above cliffs near the village of Šembije, the Uršnja Luknja cave has become a significant site for prehistoric study. 

The small cave, less than 20 meters deep, holds the remains of several cave-dwelling animals, including a rhinoceros, offering a glimpse into the rich period between the last two ice ages.

Despite its challenging access, only a fraction of the cave has been explored. However, experts from the regional museum in Postojna are confident it was once inhabited by Neanderthals.

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