For years, Neanderthals have been seen as simple hunters, relying on brute force to survive. But discoveries in Gibraltar are rewriting that narrative, according to illvet. Far from being primitive, these early humans were clever innovators, using science and technique to thrive in a harsh world.

Deep inside Vanguard Cave, researchers unearthed a hearth that tells a story of ingenuity. Estimated to be between 60,000 and 67,000 years old, this small fire pit appears to have been used for creating birch tar. This sticky substance acted as glue, binding sharp stone tools to wooden shafts, turning them into lethal spears.

The hearth, no bigger than a modern baking dish, contained layers of charcoal, ash, and tiny tar crystals. Nearby, two pieces of flint were found encased in birch tar, clear evidence of Neanderthals’ advanced crafting skills. They didn’t stumble upon this method by chance. They perfected a process that required heating bark to specific temperatures while controlling airflow to extract the tar. To test this theory, researchers replicated the technique. It wasn’t easy. They gathered materials, built a similar hearth, and heated it to over 150°C.

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