A Pre-Neanderthal Residence
The Grotte du Lazaret is a large limestone cave, about 40 meters long by 15 meters wide, on the slopes of Mont Boron overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Nice. Archaeological layers inside the cave document a long history of occupation by pre-Neanderthals (Homo heidelbergensis) between approximately 190,000 and 120,000 years ago, during a period known as the late Acheulean. Excavations led by archaeologist Henry de Lumley have uncovered a lot of information about the lives of these early humans.
The inhabitants of Lazaret were skilled hunters. Over 20,000 animal bones have been found, with red deer (Cervus elaphus) and ibex (Capra ibex) being the most common prey. The presence of bones from all parts of the smaller animals' skeletons indicates that entire carcasses were brought back to the cave for processing. Stone tools, primarily Acheulean bifaces, are abundant throughout the occupation layers. Among the most significant finds are the fossilized remains of the hominins themselves, including the parietal bone of a nine-year-old child.
The Hut Within the Cave
The notable feature of the Grotte du Lazaret is the evidence of a constructed shelter inside the cave itself. Against the back wall, archaeologists identified a defined living space measuring 11 by 3.5 meters. This area was bordered on one side by a curved line of large stones. Archaeologists believe these stones served as a foundation or weight for a tent-like structure made of animal skins draped over a wooden frame, which leaned against the cave wall.
Within this structure, two hearths were found, indicated by concentrations of charcoal. The distribution of artifacts suggests a deliberate organization of space. For example, tiny sea shells were found concentrated around the hearths. One theory is that these shells were attached to seaweed brought up from the nearby shore to be used as comfortable bedding. The density of stone tool fragments is lower inside the "hut" than outside, suggesting that activities like tool-making were performed in a separate area. This organization shows an understanding of how to arrange a living space for comfort and efficiency, long before the arrival of modern humans in Europe.