"Miners Unearth Prehistoric Footwear in Spanish Cave, Scientists Confirm"

Scientists have discovered what may be the oldest pair of shoes in Europe in a cave in Spain, dating back at least 6,200 years. The cave also contained other woven objects, such as baskets, that are estimated to be around 9,500 years old. The findings provide valuable insights into the skills and craftsmanship of prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies in Southern Europe during the early Holocene period. The discovery highlights the technological complexity of these societies and challenges previous assumptions about their capabilities. The cave, known as Cueva de los Murciélagos, is considered a unique site for studying organic materials from prehistoric populations.