# @itsaihistory on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DTaqSFgjt7o
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/61744631-itsaihistory-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/21600d955e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-01-12T16:12:11.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Parker Gordon (@itsaihistory) — https://gondola.cc/itsaihistory

## Caption

🪨 The Last Neanderthals | Late Ice Age | c. 40,000–30,000 years ago

A reconstruction of Neanderthals sheltering in Gibraltar’s coastal caves (a small peninsula at the southern tip of Spain, next to Morocco).

What you’re seeing:
A small group resting at a limestone cave entrance above the sea. Hide clothing for wind and chill, with soot-darkened skin from frequent hearth smoke.

Where is this?
Gorham’s Cave Complex on the Rock of Gibraltar, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

Why did they end up here?
Ice Age climate swings made many northern areas harsher at times. Southern coasts could offer milder conditions and diverse food.

Outcome and how we know:
The cave layers show Neanderthal occupation. Some studies argue for very late survival here, but the latest dates are debated.

Discrepancies:
• No Neanderthal clothing has been found preserved, so outfits displayed are a reconstruction.
• Dating is reported as ranges, not exact years.
• “Last refuge” is possible, not settled.
• Sea level was often lower, so the shoreline would differ.
• Red hair is plausible: a Neanderthal MC1R variant suggests some individuals may have had lighter pigmentation, possibly red or fair hair.
• A thick female beard is speculative.

🎥 All visuals are original AI-assisted recreations produced by itsaihistory for educational and documentary purposes.

#history #itsaihistory #neanderthal #archaeology #reels

## Stats

- **Views:** 426,145
- **Likes:** 15,013
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- **Comments:** 514

## Tags

history, archaeology, itsaihistory, reels, neanderthal

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