Boila Rockshelter
Boila Cave · Boïla Shelter
Late Upper Palaeolithic·Epigravettian·🇬🇷 Epirus, Voïdomatis Gorge, Greece
About
About Boila Rockshelter
Small Epigravettian rockshelter in the Voidomatis Gorge, 2 km from Klithi, with 14,000–10,000 BP deposits including microliths, bone tools and faunal remains of ibex and chamois. Excavated as part of the Epirus Palaeolithic project showing upland Late Glacial adaptation.
Why it mattersCompletes Voidomatis settlement trilogy with Klithi and Kleidi for regional land-use model.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Logistics between Boila and Klithi base camp
- 02Microlith standardization
Theories
- 01Specialized ibex hunting station
- 02Warm-season satellite of Klithi
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. 14000 BP (natural shelter)
- Period
- Late Upper Palaeolithic
- Culture
- Epigravettian
- Purpose
- Short-term hunting stand and butchery site
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 19th–20th century
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 14000 BP (natural shelter)
Initial construction / first occupation at Boila Rockshelter
19th century / 1960s
Antiquarian notice and modern systematic excavation of Boila Rockshelter
2000s
Conservation and publication of final reports for Boila Rockshelter
On the ground
Structures & features
40.0380° N · 20.7050° E · 490 m · 3 mapped features
Microlith Workshop Floor
occupation layerDense concentration of microliths and cores on shelter floor near dripline
40.0381° N · 20.7051° EIbex Butchery Hearth
hearthHearth with burnt ibex bones and cut marks near rear wall
40.0379° N · 20.7050° EEntrance Talus Scatter
lithic scatterKnapping debris scatter on talus outside shelter mouth
40.0382° N · 20.7051° E