A chamber believe to have host ritual gatherings as early as 37,000 years ago has uncover in the depths of Manot Cave in northern Israel. Archaeologists estimate the space, illuminate by torchlight during ceremonies, can accommodate up to 100 individuals.
This findings, led by Omry Barzilai from the University of Haifa, suggest ritualistic activities were likely inspire by spiritual or mythological beliefs.
The study was publish in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Excavations at the cave’s entrance previously reveal evidence of human occupation dating back to around 46,000 years, as per sources.
But, the recent discovery deep within the cave highlights its use for collective rituals during the Aurignacian period, characterise by distinctive tools, beads, and figurines associate with ancient European cultures.
As per reports, the chamber’s natural acoustics made it suitable for gatherings, while a unique carve boulder resembling a tortoise shell was find within.
Engrave lines on the boulder were create using sharp stones, as determine by microscopic analysis.
The cultural or spiritual significance of tortoises in this context remains unclear, though tortoise shells have link to burials in the region during later periods.
The age of the engrave boulder and ritual artefacts was determine through uranium decay analysis.
This method, apply to mineral crusts on the boulder, yield an estimate age of 37,000 to 35,000 years.
A similar dating technique was use on a deer antler discovered nearby, which bore signs of human modification.
Reports said that ash particles in the chamber suggest the use of torches to illuminate the pitch-black space, though no fire pits were identified.
The findings offer significant insight into early ritualistic behaviour in the Middle East, drawing parallels with similar activities in European caves, such as the Neanderthal-built structures find in Bruniquel Cave in France.
