Kebara

Kebara is a cave located in Israel, on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is a significant archaeological site, renowned for its rich deposits of Paleolithic and Epipaleo­lithic artifacts. The cave yielded evidence of early human occupation, including tools, animal bones, and hearths, shedding light on the lives of prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups.

The excavations at Kebara, particularly those conducted by Ofer Bar-Yosef, have been instrumental in understanding the transition between the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods in the Levant. The site is famous for the discovery of Neanderthal remains, including a remarkably complete skeleton dating to approximately 60,000 years ago. This find, along with other Neanderthal fossils, has contributed greatly to our knowledge of Neanderthal anatomy, behavior, and their relationship with early modern humans.

The archaeological layers within Kebara cave represent a long sequence of human activity. The Epipaleo­lithic layers, in particular, have provided insights into the Natufian culture, known for its early development of sedentary lifestyles and the beginnings of agriculture. The preservation of organic materials within the cave has allowed for detailed analysis of diet, tool-making techniques, and environmental conditions during these prehistoric eras. Kebara remains a vital location for ongoing research into human evolution and the prehistory of the Middle East.