Creswell Crags Gorge
Creswell Crags Gorge Complex
Middle Palaeolithic to Creswellian (120k–10k BCE)·Neanderthal / Creswellian·🇬🇧 Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire, Magnesian Limestone, United Kingdom
About
About Creswell Crags Gorge
Creswell Crags Gorge in Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire, Magnesian Limestone, United Kingdom is a Middle Palaeolithic to Creswellian (120k–10k BCE) cave attributed to Neanderthal / Creswellian culture. Detailed survey and excavation document architectural phasing. The site includes a principal feature and ancillary settlement or ceremonial elements.
Why it mattersKey Neanderthal / Creswellian site illustrating Middle Palaeolithic to Creswellian (120k–10k BCE) cave traditions.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Creswell Crags Gorge
- 02Function of ancillary enclosures
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for Neanderthal / Creswellian
- 02Defensive and ritual focus
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. 120000 BP natural gorge, occupation 40000 BCE
- Period
- Middle Palaeolithic to Creswellian (120k–10k BCE)
- Culture
- Neanderthal / Creswellian
- Purpose
- Rock shelters with Ice Age art and occupation
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 120000 BP natural gorge, occupation 40000 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1000 CE
Abandonment or reuse
On the ground
Structures & features
53.2628° N · 1.1972° W · 312 m · 3 mapped features
Creswell Crags Gorge — Principal Feature
structurePrimary cave feature at Creswell Crags Gorge
53.2636° N · 1.1964° WCreswell Crags Gorge — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary complex at Creswell Crags Gorge with settlement traces
53.2621° N · 1.1978° WCreswell Crags Gorge — Outlier
rock artOutlier alignment or rock art at Creswell Crags Gorge
53.2639° N · 1.1982° W