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Kenya

Olorgesailie

Acheulean hand axes and hominin remains.

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

Location

About

Olorgesailie is a significant archaeological site located in the Eastern Rift Valley of Kenya, known for its extensive collection of Acheulean hand axes and tools dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period, approximately 900,000 years ago. The site reveals evidence of early hominin activities, including butchering, and is notable for the discovery of Homo erectus remains, making it an important location for understanding early human evolution. The site also provides insight into the emergence of complex behaviors associated with early Homo sapiens around 320,000 years ago, including long-distance trade and the use of pigments. The preservation of these artifacts and fossils is attributed to volcanic ash deposits that created a detailed stratigraphic record, making Olorgesailie a key site for studying the interplay between environment and human development in prehistoric Africa.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Olorgesailie

FileOlorgesailieLandscape1993.jpg
FileOlorgesailie_Handaxes.jpg
FileOlorgesailie_fossils.jpg

Archaeological Features

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

Environmental and Natural Features

Soil LayersPollen Cores

Food Production and Processing Features

Butchering Areas

Historical Timeline

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Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Kenya
Source
Wikipedia