Uncovering the Earliest Ritual Cave in Southwest Asia

A Hidden Sanctuary from 35,000 Years Ago

Beneath the hills of Galilee, Israel, an extraordinary discovery¹ is rewriting the history of ritualistic behavior in ancient humans. Deep within the Manot Cave, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of gatherings that may have strengthened social bonds 35,000 years ago. This makes the site the oldest known location for ritual activity in Southwest Asia, shedding new light on the spiritual and social lives of early humans.