Ras El Kelb

Ras El Kelb is a significant archaeological site situated on the coast of Lebanon, approximately 8 km north of Beirut. This site features a truncated seaside cave, which served as a habitation site during the Upper Paleolithic period, around 50,000 years BCE. The site was extensively excavated in 1959 by Dorothy Garrod and G. Henri-Martin, revealing a wealth of archaeological finds, including more than 30,000 flint artifacts and evidence of advanced hunting techniques. Notably, a Neanderthal tooth was also discovered, suggesting the presence of Neanderthals in the region. The layers of soil unearthed indicate that the sea level has fluctuated significantly over the millennia, impacting the site's habitation patterns. Ras El Kelb provides valuable insights into the lifestyle and environmental conditions of Paleolithic communities in the Levant.