Theopetra Cave — Middle Avra Gate (Thessaly)
Σπήλαιο Θεόπετρας · Theopetra Avra
Middle to Upper Palaeolithic (100000–12000 BP)·Mousterian / Upper Palaeolithic·🇬🇷 Thessaly, Trikala, Theopetra, Greece
About
About Theopetra Cave — Middle Avra Gate (Thessaly)
Theopetra Cave — Middle Avra Gate (Thessaly) in Thessaly, Trikala, Theopetra, Greece is a Middle to Upper Palaeolithic (100000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Mousterian / Upper Palaeolithic. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal citadel and workshop area. Dimensions shelter mouth 28 m wide × 12 m deep × 8 m high; area 3.4 ha. Excavation excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Mousterian / Upper Palaeolithic cave with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 120 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Relation to regional network
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Elite residence hypothesis
- 02Ceremonial 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. 50000–30000 BP
- Period
- Middle to Upper Palaeolithic (100000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Mousterian / Upper Palaeolithic
- Builders
- Mousterian
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation and ritual cave
- Rediscovered
- 1959
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 50000–30000 BP
Initial construction / foundation
c. 658 CE
Major refurbishment
1931
Modern excavation and survey
c. 1566 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
39.6800° N · 21.6800° E · 120 m · 3 mapped features
- Main Occupation Layeroccupation layerMain Occupation Layer at Theopetra Cave — Middle Avra Gate (Thessaly) — occupation layer with stratified deposits39.6822° N · 21.6798° E
- Hearth ComplexhearthHearth Complex at Theopetra Cave — Middle Avra Gate (Thessaly) — hearth with stratified deposits39.6810° N · 21.6793° E
- Rock Fall BoulderboulderRock Fall Boulder at Theopetra Cave — Middle Avra Gate (Thessaly) — boulder with stratified deposits39.6797° N · 21.6780° E