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Sri Lanka

Fa Hien Cave

Largest natural stone cave in South Asia.

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

Fa Hien Cave, located in the Kalutara district of Sri Lanka, is the largest natural stone cave in South Asia and a significant archaeological site. This site was occupied by prehistoric humans from approximately 33,000 years ago, during the Late Pleistocene era, until about 4,750 years ago, during the Neolithic period. The cave has yielded crucial archaeological finds, including microlith stone tools, human skeletal remains, and evidence of early bow and arrow technology dating back 48,000 years, the earliest known use outside Africa. The site provides insights into the subsistence strategies of its ancient inhabitants, who maintained a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and engaged in activities such as fishing and crafting decorative beads. Fa Hien Cave is vital for understanding the cultural and technological developments of prehistoric humans in South Asia.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Fa Hien Cave

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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

Rock Shelters

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Sri Lanka
Source
Wikipedia