Ancient Neanderthal Settlement Unearthed in Slovenia

Bones of cave animals and evidence of what is believed to be the oldest Neanderthal settlement in Slovenia have been discovered in a karst cave in the Ilirska Bistrica region in the southwest of the country, estimated to date back as far as 170,000 years.

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Nestled high above cliffs near the village of Å embije, the UrÅ¡nja Luknja cave has become a significant site for prehistoric study. 

The small cave, less than 20 meters deep, holds the remains of several cave-dwelling animals, including a rhinoceros, offering a glimpse into the rich period between the last two ice ages.

Despite its challenging access, only a fraction of the cave has been explored. However, experts from the regional museum in Postojna are confident it was once inhabited by Neanderthals.