New archaeological discoveries in the Côa Valley

Recent archaeological findings in the Côa Valley suggest that human presence may date back over 27,000 years, challenging previous timelines. Excavations at the Penascosa site revealed ancient pigments, indicating potential artistic use, such as rock painting. These discoveries imply that Upper Paleolithic populations engaged in various activities, including skin tanning and tool-making. The research, involving students from the University of Lisbon, highlights the need for further investigation and specialized personnel to enhance understanding of the area's prehistoric art. The Côa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has seen a significant increase in identified rock art, now totaling 1,600 rocks across 104 archaeological sites.