Skhul and Qafzeh hominids, Archaeological caves in Mount Carmel and Galilee, Israel
Skhul and Qafzeh caves are archaeological sites near Haifa and Nazareth that contain fossilized remains of early modern humans. The caves reveal evidence of prehistoric settlements with stone tools, hearths, and food debris that document the daily life of early inhabitants.
Skhul cave was excavated in the 1930s and held human remains from about 120,000 years ago, while Qafzeh later yielded skeletons from the same period. Both sites show that modern humans were already traveling through the Near East long before other regions were settled.
The skeletal arrangements and artifacts in both caves show intentional burial practices with shells and animal bones placed with the remains. These objects suggest that early humans already understood symbolic meaning and performed social rituals.
The caves lie in a nature reserve south of Haifa and are accessible via well-marked walking trails with information boards along the way. The best time to visit is in fall or spring when temperatures are comfortable and the ground is not slippery.
Qafzeh 9 and 10 are two skeletons buried together and represent the oldest known double burial from that period. This discovery shows that early humans already had strong emotional bonds and laid their dead to rest side by side.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
