Population Trajectories and Cultural Dynamics of late Neanderthals in Far Western Eurasia

Project Information

FINISTERRA

Grant agreement ID: 101045506

DOI

10.3030/101045506

EC signature date 25 May 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2027

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 1 899 696,25

EU contribution

€ 1 899 696,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDADE DO ALGARVE
Portugal

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FINISTERRA (Population Trajectories and Cultural Dynamics of late Neanderthals in Far Western Eurasia)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The FINISTERRA project explores one of the most fascinating periods in human history: the final phases of Neanderthal existence and the arrival of modern humans in Southwestern Iberia during the Late Pleistocene. This region holds a unique position as one of the last strongholds of Neanderthals before their disappearance. Despite its importance, previous research in the area has been limited, leaving critical questions about Neanderthal adaptations, ecological niches, and cultural behaviors unanswered.
The project addresses these gaps by investigating the cultural, ecological, and climatic contexts of Neanderthal populations. Its objectives are ambitious yet crucial: (1) to collect high-resolution geoarchaeological and paleoecological data from caves and open-air sites, (2) to establish a robust chronological framework for the period, (3) to reconstruct the environmental conditions that shaped Neanderthal adaptations, (4) to provide detailed insights into Neanderthal technologies and social behaviors, and (5) to explore cultural and population trajectories using advanced computational methods.
FINISTERRA’s outcomes aim to redefine our understanding of Neanderthal behavior, resilience, and eventual extinction, contributing to broader debates on human adaptability and environmental change. By integrating cutting-edge methodologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the project aspires to set new standards for archaeological research while making its findings accessible to both the scientific community and the general public.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

To achieve its objectives, FINISTERRA has conducted extensive fieldwork and laboratory research over its initial phase. Key activities include archaeological excavations at Lapa do Picareiro, Gruta do Escoural, and Gruta da Companheira, using advanced recording techniques such as 3D modeling, sediment micromorphology, and proteomic analysis. The team also implemented geophysical surveys at Gruta da Companheira, leading to the unexpected discovery of a sealed set of chambers containing undisturbed Neanderthal occupation layers.
Chronological frameworks are being developed through radiocarbon, uranium-series, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, with preliminary results refining the timeline of Neanderthal activity in the region. Environmental reconstructions are underway using micromammal analysis, isotopic studies, and climate modeling, providing critical insights into the ecological conditions that shaped Neanderthal adaptations.
Significant achievements include the identification of new Neanderthal occupation zones, the integration of machine learning into taphonomic studies, and the development of the LusoLit open-access database for lithic raw materials in Southwestern Iberia. The project’s findings have been disseminated through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and collaborations with international research teams, enhancing its scientific and societal reach.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

FINISTERRA has produced results that significantly advance the state of the art in Pleistocene archaeology. The discovery of sealed chambers at Gruta da Companheira has provided a rare opportunity to study undisturbed Neanderthal contexts, offering new perspectives on site formation processes, subsistence strategies, and environmental interactions. This finding exemplifies the potential of geophysical techniques to uncover hidden archaeological features in karst systems.
The application of machine learning to taphonomic analysis has refined interpretations of Neanderthal-carnivore interactions, setting a replicable standard for future faunal studies. Meanwhile, the LusoLit database represents a critical resource for identifying and analyzing lithic raw materials, fostering regional and international collaborations.
The project’s impact extends beyond academic research. By contributing to our understanding of how Neanderthals adapted to environmental and climatic challenges, FINISTERRA offers valuable lessons on resilience and sustainability in the face of global change. Looking forward, the methodologies and frameworks developed by the project have the potential for broader applications in geoarchaeology, paleoecology, and cultural heritage studies.
To ensure further uptake and success, continued support for interdisciplinary research, open data initiatives, and advanced analytical techniques will be essential. The integration of these approaches over the next years will enable the sustained exploration of human prehistory and its relevance to contemporary challenges.

Excavations at Companheira Cave

Project Logo