Some Cro-Magnon people occupied caves in those regions from about 40,000 years ago until about 10,000 years ago. The Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons built tents and other shelters in the cave entrances. They used the dark interiors for ceremonial purposes. The Cro-Magnons painted pictures of animals on the cave walls and probably thought the paintings had magic qualities. However, relatively few people have ever been cave dwellers.
Caves are uncommon in most parts of the world.
In addition, people have found most caves too cold, damp, or dark to live in. Such animals as cave bears, cave hyenas, and cave lions also discouraged cave dwelling. Today, a few cave dwellers live in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Near East. In Spain, about 3,000 Gypsies make their homes in caves near Granada. Their dwellings range from single rooms to caves of about 200 rooms.