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Belgium

Goyet Caves

Limestone caves with human and animal fossils.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

About

The Goyet Caves in Belgium are a significant archaeological site with a rich history of habitation by both Neanderthals and early modern humans. Spanning from the Middle Paleolithic to the Iron Age, the site offers a profound glimpse into prehistoric life with a wealth of artifacts, including thousands of bones, stone tools, and evidence of ritualistic practices such as cannibalism among Neanderthals. The caves have yielded the largest collection of Neanderthal fossils in Northern Europe, and DNA analysis has provided insights into the interactions and migrations of early human populations. Artifacts from various cultural phases, including the Magdalenian and Gravettian, highlight the site's continuous occupation and its role in understanding human evolution and migration patterns.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Goyet Caves

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FileHellocker-_Pigment.JPG
FileLocations_dates_and_MDS_plot_of_ancient_Eurasian_hunter-gatherers_PCA.png

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves

Environmental and Natural Features

Modified Caves

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Belgium
Source
Wikipedia