In the Guattari Cave of San Felice Circeo (Latina), archaeologists from the Tor Vergata University in Rome resumed their work a few days ago. It is one of the most important places in the world for Neanderthal studies. The underground cavity was closed by a landslide about 60,000 years ago and accidentally discovered in 1939. Over 100,000 years ago, the entrance was frequently visited by our distant relatives who lived in the area in small groups. Remains of a fireplace were also found. However, around 65,000 years ago, the cave was a lair for hyenas, who brought their prey there, including Neanderthals. The human remains found inside date from this period. Research resumed in 2019 at the instigation of the Superintendent of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Frosinone and Latina. The activities during this period focus in particular on the so-called Sala del Laghetto, which is currently being renovated. In another area near the entrance, a 130,000-year-old strand of fossils has resurfaced, from a time when sea levels were higher. The latest discoveries on the subject of dating, also carried out with scientists from the CNR, the INGV and the Universities of Pisa and Rome “La Sapienza”, were also presented at the INQUA International Congress in Rome, attended by thousands of experts from all over the world.
