Karain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E
Karain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E North Annex · Karain Site
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇹🇷 Antalya, Karain, Turkey
About
About Karain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E
Karain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E in Antalya, Karain, Turkey is a Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Upper Palaeolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 37.0860N 30.5590E controls access to Antalya resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey cave for Antalya, Karain, illustrating Upper Palaeolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 25000–15000 BP
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Upper Palaeolithic
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation, rock art sanctuary and burial site
- Rediscovered
- 1964 survey
- Excavation
- Buried
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Karain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E main structure
c. 1504 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1964–2009
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Karain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
37.0860° N · 30.5590° E · 200 m · 4 mapped features
Karain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E — Main Structure
structurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel
37.0868° N · 30.5599° EKarain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
37.0850° N · 30.5583° EKarain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
37.0875° N · 30.5602° EKarain Cave Buried Middle Palaeolithic Layer E — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
37.0844° N · 30.5579° E