35,000-year-old “cave temple” discovered in Israel

(NLDO) - A spectacular discovery deep inside a cave in Israel's Western Galilee region has provided insight into early human society.

According to SciTech Daily, the "cave temple" was discovered deep inside the Manot Cave in Israel, naturally surrounded by impressively shaped stalagmites, adding to the mystery.

A team of researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority, the University of Haifa, Ben-Gurion University and Tel Aviv University studied the site and published the findings in the scientific journal PNAS.

Entrance to the "cave temple" in Israel - Photo: ISRAEL ANTIQUES AUTHORITY

“This rare discovery provides a glimpse into the spiritual world of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups who lived in our region some 35,000 years ago,” said Dr. Omry Barzilai from the University of Haifa and the Israel Antiquities Authority.

A primitive form of temple was built by the ancients, centered on a carved stone deliberately placed in a niche in the deepest, darkest part of the cave.

The turtle shell design, carved on a three-dimensional object, suggests that it may represent a totem or some mythical or spiritual figure in ancient culture.

The stone's peculiar location, far from any human habitation near the cave entrance, confirms it was an object of worship.

Turtle-shaped stone carved inside the ceremonial area - Photo: ISRAEL ANTIQUES AUTHORITY

Around the world, a number of similar finds have also been recorded in Western Europe and have been shown to be symbolic and serve as places for ritual and community activities.

Researchers also found ash in one of the stalagmite rings near the carved stone, confirming the use of fire to light the ritual space, possibly with torches.

Acoustic tests showed that the structure of this "cave temple" enhanced natural sound, which may have created a unique auditory experience for community activities such as prayer, singing and dancing.

This makes the ceremonial complex an unprecedented discovery of a space whose audiovisual elements were carefully considered in its creation.

The use of the darkest part of the cave relates to the ancient Israelite belief that darkness represents sacred and hidden qualities, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

This type of ceremonial center was an element in the development and institutionalization of collective identity, a necessary stage in the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to more complex ones.

Manot Cave has been systematically excavated by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurion University since 2010.

This cave is especially famous for its beautiful stalactites and human remains from various prehistoric cultures.

Among the cave's notable discoveries is a 55,000-year-old modern human skull, the oldest modern human (that is, our species Homo sapiens) fossil found outside of Africa.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/phat-hien-den-tho-hang-da-35000-tuoi-o-israel-196250101110521957.htm