Karaburun Cave
Karaburun Cave
Middle Palaeolithic – Neolithic (70,000–6000 BCE)·Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic·🇹🇷 Antalya Province, Teke Peninsula, Turkey
About
About Karaburun Cave
Karaburun Cave in Antalya Province, Teke Peninsula, Turkey is a Middle Palaeolithic – Neolithic (70,000–6000 BCE) cave of Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic tradition. Karst cave with Middle Palaeolithic hand axes to Epipalaeolithic microliths. 70000 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst cave 30 m deep, mouth 18 m wide, terrace 1200 m², breccia 4 m. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose natural karst cavity with terrace walling, ash lenses and burial pits architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic networks across the Antalya Province. Threats include karst collapse, tourism pressure, road construction; research continues on Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic Middle Palaeolithic – Neolithic (70,000–6000 BCE) in Antalya Province, Teke Peninsula; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic levels?
- 02Function of extramural cemetery?
Theories
- 01Demic diffusion vs local adoption
- 02Ritual aggregation centre
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.70000 BCE
- Period
- Middle Palaeolithic – Neolithic (70,000–6000 BCE)
- Culture
- Middle Palaeolithic to Epipalaeolithic
- Purpose
- Karst cave with Middle Palaeolithic hand axes to Epipalaeolithic microliths
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.70000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
36.5300° N · 30.4800° E · 180 m · 3 mapped features
Karaburun Cave — Main Gallery
caveMain karst gallery with stratified breccia, burials and lithics
36.5308° N · 30.4806° EKaraburun Cave — Terrace Midden
middenTerrace midden with pottery, fauna and hearths outside the mouth
36.5295° N · 30.4793° EKaraburun Cave — Rock Art Panel
rock artPainted/geometric panels on shelter wall
36.5305° N · 30.4796° E