Divje babe, Paleolithic cave in Cerkno, Slovenia
Divje Babe is a cave in northwestern Slovenia situated within limestone formations about 230 feet (70 meters) above the Idrijca River valley. The excavations revealed thick layers of sediment containing thousands of stone tools and the remains of cave bears from the Paleolithic period.
Early humans occupied the cave around 50,000 years ago, making tools and hunting animals within and near its walls. Scientific excavations from 1978 to 1995 uncovered the evidence of this long occupation beneath layers of earth.
The cave served as a gathering place for early humans during the Paleolithic, as shown by the many stone tools and bones discovered within. Visitors today can learn about daily life from that era through displays in the adjacent Archaeological Park.
Access to the site is through the adjacent Archaeological Park, which provides informative displays and guides the visitor experience. Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the cave entrance crosses uneven ground and involves some climbing.
Among the discoveries is a perforated cave bear bone that some researchers interpret as one of the oldest known musical instruments. This fragile artifact offers a rare glimpse into the cognitive abilities and creative expression of those early inhabitants.
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