Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola (19th Century Spanish Archaeologist)

Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola was a 19th-century Spanish archaeologist renowned for discovering the earliest known cave paintings at Altamira in Spain. His discovery in 1879 revealed detailed, colorful drawings of animals created by prehistoric humans over 36,000 years ago. Initially misunderstood, his work eventually transformed understanding of early human art and cognition. Sautuola’s contributions significantly advanced prehistoric archaeology, demonstrating the artistic abilities of early humans and shedding light on their culture and history. His dedication to the study of ancient human life made him a pioneering figure in the field.