Spirit Cave, Thailand, Archaeological cave in Pang Mapha district, Thailand
Spirit Cave extends roughly 140 meters deep into the limestone and features thousands of stalactites and varied rock formations spread across multiple chambers. The geological layout creates a maze-like network where passages wind at different angles and elevations throughout the hillside.
Archaeological excavations in the 1960s revealed that people lived here between 9000 and 6000 BCE as part of the early Hoabinhian civilization. These settlers left clear traces of their presence that researchers have continued to study and interpret.
The cave held spiritual significance for its earliest inhabitants, who saw it as a shelter and gathering place for their communities. Today, the different chambers still convey how daily life unfolded within these limestone walls thousands of years ago.
Exploring the deeper sections requires professional equipment and experienced guides, as steep passages and ropes for rappelling are necessary throughout. Going with an established guide is important to learn about safety procedures and to navigate the complex layout safely.
Botanical remains found here show that early inhabitants were already growing beans, peas, water chestnuts, and cucumbers, laying an early foundation for agriculture in Southeast Asia. This discovery suggests that plant domestication took root here far earlier than commonly understood elsewhere in the region.
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