Hohle Fels Venus Figurine Horizon IV
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇩🇪 Baden-Württemberg, Hohle Fels, Germany
About
About Hohle Fels Venus Figurine Horizon IV
Hohle Fels Venus Figurine Horizon IV in Baden-Württemberg, Hohle Fels, Germany is a Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Upper Palaeolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 48.3790N 9.7580E controls access to Baden-Württemberg resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey cave for Baden-Württemberg, Hohle Fels, illustrating Upper Palaeolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 25000–15000 BP
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Upper Palaeolithic
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation, rock art sanctuary and burial site
- Rediscovered
- 1965 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Hohle Fels Venus Figurine Horizon IV main structure
c. 1545 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1960–2005
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Hohle Fels Venus Figurine Horizon IV) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
48.3790° N · 9.7580° E · 405 m · 3 mapped features
Hohle Fels Venus Figurine Horizon IV — Main Structure
structurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel
48.3798° N · 9.7589° EHohle Fels Venus Figurine Horizon IV — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
48.3780° N · 9.7573° EHohle Fels Venus Figurine Horizon IV — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
48.3805° N · 9.7592° E