Jebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4
Jebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4 North Annex · Jebel Site
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇱🇾 Cyrenaica, Jebel Akhdar, Libya
About
About Jebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4
Jebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4 in Cyrenaica, Jebel Akhdar, Libya 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 32.6200N 21.8900E controls access to Cyrenaica 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 Cyrenaica, Jebel Akhdar, 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
- 1988 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Jebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4 main structure
c. 1528 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1988–2018
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Jebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
32.6200° N · 21.8900° E · 320 m · 4 mapped features
Jebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4 — Main Structure
structurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel
32.6208° N · 21.8909° EJebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4 — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
32.6190° N · 21.8893° EJebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4 — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
32.6215° N · 21.8912° EJebel Akhdar Hadd Cave Layer 4 — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
32.6184° N · 21.8889° E