Gueldaman caves

The Gueldaman caves, located in the Adrar Gueldaman mountain ridge of Algeria, represent a significant archaeological site due to their extensive prehistoric habitation. This karst landscape features multiple natural caves, notably GLD1, which have yielded a wealth of Neolithic artifacts, such as polished stone tools and evidence of early agriculture, particularly sheep and goat domestication. The deposits, spanning over 5 meters deep, contain well-preserved remains including ceramics, lithic tools, and ornaments, indicative of long-distance trade. The caves offer insights into the Neolithisation process in North Africa and reflect a shift from hunter-gatherer communities to more settled agricultural practices. The site's abandonment around 2200 BCE is linked to a severe climate anomaly, a prolonged drought, which significantly disrupted local cultures. Ongoing research aims to further understand the cultural transitions within this region.