Gorham's Cave Neanderthal Extinction Timeline

Archaeologists unsealed Gorham s Cave in United Kingdom — Gibraltar, which had been untouched for 40,000 years, leading to discoveries that are believed to have 'changed human history'. The findings suggest that Neanderthal may have inhabited the Iberian Peninsula as recently as 24,000 years ago, much later than the previously accepted extinction date of around 40,000 years ago. The cave, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, has also yielded ancient artifacts, including the 'world's oldest abstract art' and evidence of Neanderthal hunting practices. Clive Finlayson, director of the Gibraltar National Museum, highlighted the significance of finding a whelk in Gibraltar — Vanguard Cave, indicating Neanderthal presence over 40,000 years ago.