Neanderthals, an extinct human relative, are often imagined as “cavemen” living exclusively in dark caverns. This popular perception, however, only captures part of their existence. Archaeological discoveries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East reveal a more nuanced reality of their dwelling practices, highlighting their adaptability to diverse environments and their sophisticated understanding of surroundings.
Neanderthal Use of Caves
Neanderthals used caves and rock shelters for natural protection. These sites offered shelter from harsh weather (wind, rain, intense sun) and provided stable temperatures year-round. Caves also offered strategic vantage points for observing prey and access to resources like water or raw materials for tools. Evidence from sites like Riparo Bombrini in northwest Italy shows Neanderthals organized their cave living spaces, designating areas for different activities.
At Riparo Bombrini, archaeologists identified distinct zones within the cave: a top level possibly used as a hunting stand for butchering game, a middle level serving as a long-term base camp, and a bottom level for shorter residential stays. Findings include stone tools, animal bone fragments with cut marks, and evidence of hearths. Ochre and shellfish fragments suggest diverse activities and resource exploitation.
Evidence from Open-Air Sites
While caves offer excellent preservation, archaeological findings demonstrate Neanderthals also occupied open-air sites. These locations, often less preserved due to exposure, include temporary camps in riverine areas, plains, or forested regions. Sites were chosen for proximity to migratory animal herds, access to plant foods, or stone raw materials not found near caves.
Evidence at open-air sites can be more subtle but includes concentrations of stone tools, scatters of animal bones, and remnants of hearths, indicating food processing and tool-making. For instance, at Neumark-Nord in Germany, analysis of pollen, fossils, and charcoal suggests Neanderthals altered forested areas into grasslands, possibly through repeated fire use, indicating prolonged occupation and environmental modification. While direct evidence of constructed shelters like huts is rare, some open-air sites show rock arrangements that may have served as windbreaks, suggesting intentional modification of surroundings.
Understanding Neanderthal Settlement Patterns
Neanderthal settlement patterns were dynamic, reflecting adaptation to varied ecological conditions and resource availability. They utilized both caves and open-air sites, often alternating based on seasonal changes, prey movements, and activity needs. For example, during colder periods or for long-term stays, caves might be preferred for natural insulation, while open-air locations could be used during warmer months to follow migrating herds or exploit seasonal plant resources.
Archaeological interpretations, often relying on analysis of hearths and artifact distribution, help reconstruct these patterns. Studies at sites like El Salt in Spain, which features multiple open-air hearth structures, indicate successive short-term occupations, suggesting a mobile lifestyle tied to seasonal movements. This flexibility in choosing dwelling locations, from sheltered caves to exposed landscapes, highlights their adaptable nature and sophisticated understanding of environment, challenging the idea of them as solely cave dwellers.