UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Sri Lanka

Hunugalagala Limestone Cave

Ancient limestone cave with prehistoric artifacts

Location

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Historical Context

About

Hunugalagala Limestone Cave, situated in Haldummulla, Badulla District, Sri Lanka, is an archaeological site of considerable significance. The cave's natural limestone formation dates back millions of years and served as a shelter and activity area for prehistoric communities between 5,000 and 4,000 years ago. Excavations conducted in July 2013 unearthed various artifacts, including grindstones, painted potsherds, a stone statue depicting a man's upper body, and bones of humans and animals. These findings suggest that the cave inhabitants had developed basic pottery skills and were engaged in food processing activities. The site provides valuable insights into the lifeways of early human societies in the region, offering a glimpse into their daily practices and artistic expressions.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Prehistoric Occupation

3000 BCE, 2000 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Industrial and Craft Structures

Grindstones
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Painted PotsherdsStatues
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Sri Lanka

Coordinates

6.77° N, 80.89° E