B.B.C. Article
Researchers investigating a cave in France have identified mysterious stone rings that were probably built by Neanderthals.
The discovery provides yet more evidence that we may have underestimated the capabilities of our evolutionary cousins.


The structures were found deep inside the cave, so the builders would have needed fire to see

The structures were made from hundreds of stalagmites, the mineral deposits which rise from the floors of caves.
Dating techniques showed that they were broken off 175,000 years ago.
The findings are reported in the journal Nature.
The round structures were discovered in Bruniquel Cave in South-West France. The stalagmites had been chopped to similar lengths and laid out in two oval patterns up to 40cm (16in) high.

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