Goyet Caves
Grottes de Goyet · Goyet Caverns
Middle to Late Palaeolithic to Neolithic·Aurignacian / Gravettian / Neolithic·🇧🇪 Wallonia, Namur, Gesves, Belgium
About
About Goyet Caves
Network of limestone caves 15 m above Samson River near Mozet, with Aurignacian to Neolithic occupations (45,000–3000 BCE), early modern human remains, Neanderthal DNA and famous 35,000-year-old engraved humerus. Excavated Dupont 1868 and modern digs.
Why it mattersYields early modern human genomes and landmark Gravettian engraved artefacts.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Neanderthal introgression in Goyet humans
- 02Engraved humerus cannibalism
Theories
- 01Aurignacian ritual cannibalism centre
- 02Long-term refugium cave in Meuse basin
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. 45000 BP (natural cave)
- Period
- Middle to Late Palaeolithic to Neolithic
- Culture
- Aurignacian / Gravettian / Neolithic
- Purpose
- Habitation, ritual and burial cave
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 19th–20th century
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 45000 BP (natural cave)
Initial construction / first occupation at Goyet Caves
19th century / 1960s
Antiquarian notice and modern systematic excavation of Goyet Caves
2000s
Conservation and publication of final reports for Goyet Caves
On the ground
Structures & features
50.4444° N · 5.0140° E · 115 m · 4 mapped features
Entrance Gallery (Trou des Nutons)
cave galleryMain entrance gallery with Aurignacian layers and Dupont's original trench
50.4445° N · 5.0141° EEngraved Humerus Findspot
findspotLocation in cave floor where 35 ka engraved human humerus with zigzags was found
50.4443° N · 5.0141° ENeanderthal Level Q
occupation layerMiddle Palaeolithic level Q with Neanderthal remains and Mousterian tools deep inside
50.4445° N · 5.0139° ESamson Cliff Face
cliff15 m limestone cliff face above Samson River containing cave mouths
50.4442° N · 5.0142° E