Cova Negra


Cova Negra is an archaeological site near the town of Xàtiva in the Province of Valencia, Spain, with remains that show sporadic and short-term occupation by Neanderthals in the Mousterian period.

Location and description

The cave is located in a valley alongside :es:Río Albaida|the Albaida river, and an area of 57 hectares around the cave was declared a Cultural Heritage Site. Since 2006 the site is a Municipal Natural Site, also named Cova Negra.

Archaeological finds

The Neanderthals who occupied the area were avid eaters of birds; 247 remains of 18 different bird species were found, especially doves and choughs. Bird consumption in Cova Negra and other caves such as Cueva de Bolomor, Gorham's Cave, and Ibex Cave, prove that the northwestern part of the Mediterranean saw widespread exploitation of "small, fast game".
In 2013, a fragment from an adult parietal bone were found, a cranial fragment from a child, and a child's premolar. By that time, the cave had 25 pieces of Neanderthal remains, including many of children.

History and research

The site was discovered by the priest G. Viñes in 1933.

Gallery