A groundbreaking archaeological discovery at the Coto Correa site in Las Chapas has provided fresh insights into Marbella’s ancient past. A stone block featuring engravings—potentially over 200,000 years old—has been uncovered, shedding light on the presence of Middle Palaeolithic settlers in the region.

The Marbella town hall’s department of culture, education, and heritage announced this significant find as part of an ongoing archaeological investigation at Coto Correa, a site long recognized for its prehistoric importance. Since the 1950s, this area has been under archaeological protection, following the discovery of lithic tools dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic period.

This new finding is remarkable for two key reasons. First, it confirms human activity in Marbella during the Early Middle Palaeolithic period—a time period that remains poorly documented in Spain and is unprecedented in the province of Malaga. Second, the engraved stone could be up to 100,000 years older than the earliest known cave art, potentially making it one of the oldest human-made graphical representations in history.

To verify the artifact’s age, researchers are employing advanced dating techniques, including quartz analysis of sediment samples, to establish a precise timeline. Additionally, experts are conducting high-resolution 3D digitization of the stone, allowing for a detailed examination of its engravings.

With an allocated research budget of 8,000 euros, Marbella town hall is committed to supporting this archaeological breakthrough. If the proposed dating is confirmed, Marbella could emerge as a crucial reference point in Palaeolithic studies. Once the research phase concludes, the town hall plans to organize public events to present the findings and explore their scientific implications.

The Coto Correa site has been a focal point of archaeological interest since 1953 when lithic tools were first discovered in the area. At the nearby Cortijo de Conca, researcher Jorge Rein Segura identified the oldest known human industries in Malaga. The site, situated on ancient marine terraces and elevated beaches 20 to 40 meters above present sea levels, was once home to groups of primitive hunters and gatherers.

Due to the site’s size and the extensive material recovered from its surroundings, archaeologists have divided it into three distinct sectors: Coto Correa I (Artola Alto), Coto Correa II, and Coto Correa III.

This discovery not only deepens our understanding of Marbella’s prehistoric past but also raises exciting questions about early human creativity and survival in the region.