Researchers Stunned to Discover a 35,000-Year-Old Ritual Complex of Hunter-Gatherers Inside an Israeli Cave

Researchers analyzed a cave in Israel and uncovered several insights regarding the functioning of early human societies. The structure in focus is Manot Cave located in the Western Galilee region, stated SciTech Daily. Researchers uncovered many things like structure, symbolic engravings, and artifacts from the cave. The most prominent discovery was a prehistoric ritual complex that was unearthed from deep inside the establishment, as per experts. Findings regarding the cave's exploration have been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The cave was dated back to 35,000–37,000 years ago. Since 2010, excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University, and Ben-Gurion University have been going on at the site. From this cave, archaeologists have unearthed several remains belonging to multiple prehistoric communities from the Upper Paleolithic period.

The ritual complex inside the cave was surrounded by stalagmites, which gave the entrance a unique look. The team spotted a rock deep inside the complex, featuring geometric engravings. Researchers believe the carvings make the rock look like a tortoise. The positioning of the tortoise figure, made researchers speculate that it could be representing a past deity.

"The rare discovery provides a glimpse into the spiritual world of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups who lived in our region approximately 35,000 years ago. The engraved rock was deliberately placed in a niche in the deepest, darkest part of the cave. The turtle-shell design, carved on a three-dimensional object, indicates that it may have represented a totem or a mythological or spiritual figure,"  Dr. Omry Barzilai, a study author from the University of Haifa and Israel Antiquities Authority said. "Its special location, far from the daily activity areas near the cave entrance, suggests that it was an object of worship."

Researchers also found ash remains inside one of the stalagmite rings, placed close to the engraved rock. This suggested to the researchers that fire was used in the cave to light up the ritual area. Acoustic tests of the area confirmed that the cave had enhanced natural acoustics. Researchers claim that the place was specially chosen by the communities because it would add to the sensory experience of praying, singing, and dancing that possibly happened during the rituals. 

Experts had never seen a ritual site that possibly combined acoustics with customs. Furthermore, researchers think that such caves were important in the development of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups into complex societies. They believe the rituals and symbols fostered collective identity and social bonds amongst the Paleolithic groups.

"This is an unprecedented discovery of a space with ‘audio-visual equipment,’ centered around a ritual object (the turtle), which constitutes the first evidence of communal rituals in the Levant. It is no surprise that prehistoric hunters chose to conduct their rituals in the darkest part of Manot Cave, as darkness embodies sacred and hidden qualities, symbolizing rebirth and renewal," Prof. Israel Hershkovitz from Tel Aviv University, who was part of the study explained. "The establishment of ritual centers during the Upper Paleolithic was a central element in the development and institutionalization of collective identity — a necessary stage in the transition from small, isolated hunter-gatherer groups based on blood ties between individuals to large, complex societies.”"

This is not the first time researchers have found evidence of worship in prehistoric caves. Several such structures have been spotted all across Western Europe, indicating that such places held a lot of importance for Paleolithic communities due to ritualistic purposes.