Secrets of ancient burial practices revealed by cave discovery
One of the world’s oldest grave sites discovered in secluded cave
- Archaeologists in central Israel's Tinshemet Cave believe they have discovered one of the world's oldest grave sites, containing human remains dating back 100,000 to 110,000 years.
- The carefully arranged remains, found in pits and often in a foetal position, indicate intentional burial practices by early humans.
- Objects such as basalt pebbles, animal remains, and ochre fragments found alongside the skeletons suggest ceremonial rituals and an early understanding of spirituality or the afterlife.
- The exceptional preservation of bones, tools, and ornaments at Tinshemet Cave, due to ash and limestone, provides crucial insights into human evolution and behaviour during the Middle Paleolithic era.
- Experts say the discovery reinforces previous findings in the region, confirming a pattern of widespread burial practices and highlighting a significant shift in how early humans treated their dead.