Kleidi Cave
Kleidi Rockshelter · Kleidi Cave Epirus
Upper Palaeolithic (Epigravettian)·Epigravettian·🇬🇷 Epirus, Konitsa, Greece
About
About Kleidi Cave
Epigravettian rock shelter in the Voidomatis Gorge, Konitsa, excavated 1983–1990 revealing Late Glacial hunter-gatherer occupations (16,000–10,000 BP) with microliths, faunal remains and early art mobilier. Overlooks the river and was linked seasonally with nearby Klithi and Boila shelters.
Why it mattersPart of Voidomatis cluster illuminating Late Upper Palaeolithic mobility in northwest Greece.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Late Glacial settlement system in Pindus
- 02Artistic symbolism on engraved stones
Theories
- 01Summer upland hunting station
- 02Network with Klithi seasonal moves
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. 16000 BP (natural shelter)
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (Epigravettian)
- Culture
- Epigravettian
- Purpose
- Seasonal hunting camp and lithic workshop
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 19th–20th century
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 16000 BP (natural shelter)
Initial construction / first occupation at Kleidi Cave
19th century / 1960s
Antiquarian notice and modern systematic excavation of Kleidi Cave
2000s
Conservation and publication of final reports for Kleidi Cave
On the ground
Structures & features
40.0420° N · 20.6800° E · 520 m · 3 mapped features
Epigravettian Horizon 2
occupation layerMain Epigravettian level with backed bladelets, endscrapers and red deer remains
40.0421° N · 20.6801° EEngraved Stone Plaque Cluster
rock artConcentration of limestone plaquettes with linear engravings near rear wall
40.0419° N · 20.6801° EHearth Feature F12
hearthWell-preserved hearth with fire-cracked stones and charcoal near shelter mouth
40.0422° N · 20.6799° E