A collection of Stone Age relics have unveiled signs of advanced cognitive and symbolic behaviour in prehistoric humans.

The new research, published in the Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences journal, shows that stone artefacts discovered in specific Levant caves were intentionally etched with geometric designs.

These findings shed fresh light on the behaviour of Paleolithic hominins - a family of prehistoric man - offering crucial new understanding into the evolution of abstract thought and culture during this era.

Lead author Mae Goder-Goldberger said: "Abstract thinking is a cornerstone of human cognitive evolution.

"The deliberate engravings found on these artefacts highlight the capacity for symbolic expression and suggest a society with advanced conceptual abilities."

The Paleolithic period, also known as the Old Stone Age, marks the earliest and longest phase of human prehistory, spanning from approximately 3.3/2.5 million years ago to around 12,000 years ago.

Historically, there was doubt over the presence of abstract or symbolic thought in early hominins. This suggested symbolic behaviour, such as art and abstract expression, only began relatively recently in our own species.

However, there is mounting evidence indicating that symbolic and abstract thought may have deep evolutionary origins and not just a trait of modern humans.

In recent years, archaeological studies have revealed evidence of abstract, non-practical behaviour among Palaeolithic hominins. 

The latest research presents proof of purposeful symbolic engravings during the Middle Paleolithic period in the Levant, which ranged from roughly 250,000 to 45,000 years ago.

The study examined engraved stone artefacts from significant prehistoric archaeological sites in the region, including Manot Cave, Amud Cave, Qafzeh Cave and the open-air site of Quneitra.

Using sophisticated 3D surface analysis, the researchers looked at the geometry and patterns of the incisions to differentiate intentional engravings from functional marks.

The investigation revealed that the artefacts from Manot, Qafzeh and Quneitra feature deliberate engravings, suggesting symbolic intent.

The engravings on the Amud Cave artefacts, on the other hand, were found to lack clear orientation or patterning, aligning with functional use as tools for wearing down, smoothing or polishing.