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Archaeologists have uncovered a stone with ancient engravings in Marbella that could challenge existing knowledge of prehistoric art in Spain, potentially predating the oldest known cave art by 100,000 years.
Found at the Coto Correa site in the Las Chapas neighborhood of Marbella in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, experts estimate the engravings may be over 200,000 years old, making it one of the most significant discoveries in the area.
The site has been interesting to researchers for decades, holding traces of early human populations. It has been protected since the 1950s when accidental discoveries of stone tools revealed its archaeological importance.
These tools were linked to the Lower Paleolithic period, one of the earliest known human eras. A recent excavation has provided new insights into how the landscape evolved, unearthing more shaped stone tools in its deepest layers.
Experts identified a gabbro stone block with linear carvings among the latest findings. This rare artifact could be one of the earliest-known examples of human symbolic expression.
If confirmed, the discovery would push back the timeline of such engravings by more than 100,000 years, predating the oldest known cave art.
Una intervención arqueológica en el enclave de Coto Correa, en Las Chapas, permite descubrir grafismos en un bloque de piedra que podrían tener más de 200.000 años de antigüedad #Marbella pic.twitter.com/7N1VbZ7DE1
— RTV Marbella (@RTVMarbella) March 12, 2025
The finding also confirms human presence in Marbella during the Early Middle Paleolithic period, with little recorded evidence in Spain. It marks the first discovery of its kind in Málaga province, opening new avenues for research on early human culture and cognitive abilities.
To verify the stone’s age, researchers have launched an in-depth study. They will use advanced dating techniques to establish a precise timeline, including quartz analysis from sediment samples.
High-resolution 3D scanning will document the engravings digitally, helping experts distinguish between natural marks and intentional carvings.
These technologies will preserve the artifact and make it accessible for further study and exhibition. The findings will be shared in academic publications and public displays, ensuring that researchers and the public understand their significance.
The Marbella City Council has allocated €8,000 (approx. $8,700 USD) to fund the research, reinforcing its commitment to archaeological exploration and historical preservation. If preliminary dating results confirm the artifact’s age, Marbella could become a crucial site in Paleolithic studies.
The discovery may also shed new light on early human intelligence, providing further evidence of symbolic thought long before previously believed.
Experts hope these efforts will bring greater awareness to the discovery’s importance and its role in shaping our understanding of early human history.
