Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable find at a Paleolithic site in Germany, where traces of a blue pigment have been identified, pushing back the timeline of sophisticated artistic expression in Europe. This rare discovery, dating back over 40,000 years, challenges previous assumptions that early humans predominantly used red and yellow ochres, revealing instead that they also had the knowledge and resources to create and harness the elusive blue hue. The pigment, extracted from naturally occurring minerals, indicates that Paleolithic people were not only skilled artisans but also held a complex understanding of their environment’s geological offerings.

Key insights from the discovery include:

  • Use of mineral-based blue pigment, likely azurite, in prehistoric artistry
  • Evidence suggesting early symbolic or decorative…