Kesem Cave: how ancient people lived (5 photos)

In Israel in 2000, during roadworks were damaged vaults of a previously unknown cave. Part of it collapsed, in place scientists came to the collapse and confirmed that ancient people lived in it, among the first to leave Africa.





Many interesting artifacts were found in the cave, and not only flint tools, but even the teeth of ancient people.

Later layers proved that people lived in the cave for about 200 thousand years ago. An analysis of the teeth showed that the people who inhabited the cave were close to Homo Sapiens, but a number of features are reminiscent of Neanderthals.

Most likely, representatives of various cultures and species managed to live in the cave for many thousands of years.



Exploring the Kesem Cave

Examination of burnt soil and bones shows that the inhabitants of the cave coped well with the fire, which constantly burned in housing. It also became clear that ancient people were perfectly able to preserve food supplies for a long time and they didn't have to hunt every day. They could keep the marrow inside the bones, which they did. source of food. The product was preserved in deer bones wrapped in leather. There was not much of it, but it was a source of protein and high-calorie food, great addition to herbal products.

Most likely the main product of animal origin were turtles, whose shells were found in all layers of the cave.





The ancient inhabitants of the cave may have been engaged in creativity: there found small multi-colored round pebbles, whose practical assignment has not yet been clarified. Maybe they were just for beauty, or they were played by small children.



In the caves were found the remains of not only ungulates, but also numerous remains of birds: crows, quails, pigeons and one swan.

But it is noteworthy that on the bones of swan wings they found feather marks. But why? There is no meat on these bones and there is no it makes no sense to pinch them. After extensive research, scientists have come to the conclusion that that most likely beautiful white swan feathers were used for decorations for clothes and homes. And it is highly likely that they also used for rituals. Scientists were very interested in this find.