Atapuerca — Gran Dolina and Galería Trench

Why it mattersEarliest human remains in Western Europe, essential for hominin evolution.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c. 900000 BP (natural cave)

Period

Early to Middle Pleistocene

Culture

Acheulean / Homo antecessor

Purpose

Hominin habitation, butchery and burial

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 19th–20th century

Excavation

Excavation ongoing

1. c. 900000 BP (natural cave)

   Initial construction / first occupation at Atapuerca — Gran Dolina and Galería Trench

2. 19th century / 1960s

   Antiquarian notice and modern systematic excavation of Atapuerca — Gran Dolina and Galería Trench

3. 2000s

   Conservation and publication of final reports for Atapuerca — Gran Dolina and Galería Trench

• Gran Dolina TD6 (Homo antecessor)fossil horizonAurora Stratum TD6 with 80+ Homo antecessor remains, stone tools and cut marks at north trench end42.3716° N · 3.5474° W
• Galería Complex Lithic FloorworkshopMiddle Pleistocene Acheulean biface workshop in Galería with deer butchery remains42.3712° N · 3.5471° W
• Sima de los Huesos Pitburial chamberDeep shaft 13 m below surface with 4000+ Homo heidelbergensis fossils and crania42.3717° N · 3.5470° W
• Elefante Lower Levelsoccupation layerEarly Pleistocene levels with Mode 1 tools and hominin remains c. 1.2 Ma42.3711° N · 3.5474° W