Darband Cave

Darband Cave, located in Gilan Province, Iran, is an important archaeological site from the Lower Paleolithic period, offering insights into early human and animal interactions. The site, positioned on the northern side of a canyon tributary to the Siahrud River, served primarily as a bear den during the Middle Pleistocene. Archaeological excavations have uncovered sparse stone artifacts alongside numerous bear remains, indicating the cave's primary use by bears rather than humans. The lack of clear cut marks on the bones suggests that the accumulation of bear remains happened through natural processes rather than human activity. This site contributes to our understanding of prehistoric human presence in Iran and their interaction with the environment, highlighting the transitional nature of early human habitation in natural shelters like caves.