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South Africa

Cooper's Cave

Fossil-bearing breccia-filled dolomitic caves.

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

Cooper's Cave is an archaeologically significant site located in South Africa, renowned for its fossil-bearing breccia-filled cavities. Situated between the prominent hominid sites of Sterkfontein and Kromdraai, the cave is part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. It offers a rich assemblage of early hominid stone tools from the Developed Olduwan culture, making it one of the richest sites for such tools in the area. The geological formation of the site consists of breccia-filled dolomitic caves, which have been dated to approximately 1.5 to 1.4 million years ago using uranium-lead methods. Cooper's Cave provides crucial insights into the early human tool-making activities and environmental adaptations during the Lower Paleolithic period.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Cooper's Cave

FileCoopers_A.jpg
FileCoopers_D.jpg
FileCoopers_siv.jpg

Archaeological Features

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

Industrial and Craft Structures

Toolmakers’ Areas

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock Shelters

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
South Africa
Source
Wikipedia