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Archaeological Site of Atapuerca

Spain
Date of Inscription: 2000
Criteria: (iii)(v)
Province of Burgos, Autonomous Community of Castile-Leon
N42 22 17 W3 32 50
Ref: 989
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Brief Description

The caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca contain a rich fossil record of the earliest human beings in Europe, from nearly one million years ago and extending up to the Common Era. They represent an exceptional reserve of data, the scientific study of which provides priceless information about the appearance and the way of life of these remote human ancestors.

Justification for Inscription

Criterion iii The earliest and most abundant evidence of humankind in Europe is to be found in the caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca. Criterion v The fossil remains in the Sierra de Atapuerca constitute an exceptional reserve of information about the physical nature and the way of life of the earliest human communities in Europe.

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