Pontnewydd Cave
Pontnewydd Cave Complex
Neanderthal (230k–225k BP)·Neanderthal (Mousterian)·🇬🇧 Denbighshire, Elwy Valley, Wales, United Kingdom
About
About Pontnewydd Cave
Pontnewydd Cave in Denbighshire, Elwy Valley, Wales, United Kingdom is a Neanderthal (230k–225k BP) cave attributed to Neanderthal (Mousterian) culture. Detailed survey and excavation document architectural phasing. The site includes a principal feature and ancillary settlement or ceremonial elements.
Why it mattersKey Neanderthal (Mousterian) site illustrating Neanderthal (230k–225k BP) cave traditions.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Pontnewydd Cave
- 02Function of ancillary enclosures
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for Neanderthal (Mousterian)
- 02Defensive and ritual focus
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 230000 BP occupation
- Period
- Neanderthal (230k–225k BP)
- Culture
- Neanderthal (Mousterian)
- Purpose
- Neanderthal cave with teeth and tools
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 230000 BP occupation
Initial construction
c. 1000 CE
Abandonment or reuse
On the ground
Structures & features
53.2131° N · 3.3921° W · 231 m · 3 mapped features
Pontnewydd Cave — Principal Feature
structurePrimary cave feature at Pontnewydd Cave
53.2139° N · 3.3913° WPontnewydd Cave — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary complex at Pontnewydd Cave with settlement traces
53.2124° N · 3.3927° WPontnewydd Cave — Outlier
rock artOutlier alignment or rock art at Pontnewydd Cave
53.2142° N · 3.3931° W