100 years on, Calpe at 30 gives focus to the child skull found in Devil’s Tower

**Gibraltar Marks 100‑Year Anniversary of Child Skull Discovery in Devil’s Tower Cave**

Gibraltar is commemorating the centenary of a landmark archaeological find that has contributed significantly to the understanding of human evolution. In 1926, British archaeologist and palaeontologist Dorothy Garrod uncovered the skull of a child in Devil’s Tower Cave, a site on the Rock of Gibraltar. The specimen, noted for its unusually large braincase, has become an important reference point in studies of Neanderthal development and the broader narrative of human ancestry.

The 2026 commemorative programme, titled “Calpe at 30,” highlights the discovery’s enduring scientific relevance. Organisers have arranged a series of exhibitions and public talks that revisit Garrod’s original work and its impact on the field of paleoanthropology. The events aim to bring renewed attention to the child skull, which continues to be examined by researchers seeking insights into the morphology and growth patterns of early hominins.

Dorothy Garrod (1882‑1968) was a pioneering figure in archaeology, later becoming the first woman appointed to a full professorship at the University of Cambridge. Her work in Gibraltar, including the Devil’s Tower Cave excavation, helped establish the region as a key site for studying the Middle Pleistocene and the presence of Neanderthals in southwestern Europe.

The child skull, catalogued as a distinct specimen within the Gibraltar Museum’s collection, remains a focal point for ongoing research. Its large cranial capacity has prompted discussions about developmental variation among Neanderthal juveniles and the evolutionary implications of brain growth in early human populations.

“Calpe at 30” serves both as a tribute to Garrod’s contributions and as an educational platform for the public to engage with Gibraltar’s archaeological heritage. The programme runs throughout 2026, with scheduled displays at the Gibraltar Museum and collaborative events with international research institutions.

Article source: chronicle.gi | Image credit: Gibraltar Chronicle