Asprochaliko Rock Shelter
Ασπροχάλικο · Asprochaliko Cave · Asprochaliko Shelter
Middle to Upper Palaeolithic·Mousterian / Gravettian·🇬🇷 Epirus, Ioannina, Greece
About
About Asprochaliko Rock Shelter
Large limestone rock shelter in the Louros River valley, Epirus, excavated by Higgs (1964) revealing Mousterian to Upper Palaeolithic layers spanning 100,000–26,000 years BP. Yields Neanderthal and early modern human lithics, faunal remains and evidence of seasonal occupation on the river terrace.
Why it mattersKey stratified sequence for Epirus Palaeolithic, linking Middle Palaeolithic to Upper Palaeolithic.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Neanderthal-modern human transition in Epirus
- 02Function of thick Volcanic ash layers
Theories
- 01Seasonal transhumance hub between Pindus and coast
- 02Refugium during glacial maxima
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 100000–26000 BP (natural shelter, occupation c. 100 kya)
- Period
- Middle to Upper Palaeolithic
- Culture
- Mousterian / Gravettian
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation and hunting camp
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 19th–20th century
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 100000–26000 BP (natural shelter, occupation c. 100 kya)
Initial construction / first occupation at Asprochaliko Rock Shelter
1964–1990
Excavation by Higgs and Vita-Finzi with modern re-analysis
On the ground
Structures & features
39.2808° N · 20.8441° E · 180 m · 3 mapped features
- Main Mousterian Layer (Layer 18)occupation layerBasal Mousterian horizon with Levallois points, faunal remains and hearths at northern end of shelter39.2811° N · 20.8443° E
- Upper Palaeolithic Hearth ComplexhearthGravettian hearth cluster near shelter centre with burnt bone, charcoal and blade tools39.2807° N · 20.8442° E
- Northern Rock Fall Bouldergeological featureMassive fallen limestone block marking northern edge of excavated trench, visible on surface39.2812° N · 20.8439° E
Gallery