Unveiling History: 6th Excavation Season Kicks Off at Qal-e Kord Cave, Iran’s Ancient Human Settlement
The sixth season of archaeological excavations at Qal-e Kord cave, a significant site in Iran’s Qazvin province, has officially commenced, showcasing the rich prehistoric heritage of the region. This initiative is authorized by the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism and is financially supported by the provincial cultural heritage department. The project is co-led by esteemed archaeologists Hamed Vahdatinasab and Milad Hashemi Sarvandi from Tarbiat Modares University.
Located in the village of Qal-e Kord in Avaj county, this cave has been identified as one of the oldest archaeological sites in Iran. Previous excavations have indicated that human presence in this area dates back over 400,000 years. Vahdatinasab emphasized the significance of the site, noting, “Knowing that Qal-e Kord was inhabited by Neanderthals, we are seeking to obtain a chronology of these cave dwellers.”
Throughout the excavation, the research team aims to uncover various aspects of life for these ancient inhabitants. The key objectives of the project include:
- Establishing a timeline of Neanderthal habitation in the cave.
- Investigating animal remains to understand their diet and lifestyle.
- Exploring deeper layers to uncover even older deposits.
Findings from previous excavations reveal that the Qal-e Kord cave was not only a shelter for Neanderthals but also for earlier human species such as Homo heidelbergensis and possibly Homo erectus. The site has yielded a variety of animal remains, including:
- Two types of extinct prehistoric horses
- Deer
- Brown bear
- Rhinoceros
The first season of joint Iran-France excavations in November 2018 was particularly fruitful, uncovering more than 6,000 cultural artefacts. These included bone remains of various animals such as horses and deer, as well as numerous stone tools dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period, which spans from 200,000 to 40,000 years ago.
A significant study published in the Journal of Human Evolution in 2019 highlighted that Neanderthals inhabited the Zagros mountainous regions of Iran between 40,000 and 70,000 years ago. This research provides critical insights into the life and environment of Neanderthals during the last ice age.
Neanderthals were known to adapt to some of the harshest climates across Eurasia, developing complex stone tools and hunting large game. They scavenged for food and gathered local plants, which allowed them to survive for thousands of years during the challenging conditions of the last glaciation.
The ongoing excavations at Qal-e Kord cave are expected to shed more light on the interactions between these ancient humans and their environment. As the team digs deeper, they hope to uncover additional layers that provide further context about the lives of Neanderthals and other early human species.
In conclusion, the Qal-e Kord cave is not just a site of archaeological interest; it is a vital link to understanding the evolution and survival of early humans in Iran and beyond. As excavations continue, the insights gained will contribute significantly to our knowledge of prehistoric life, showcasing the importance of cultural heritage and archaeology in preserving our history.
