Sirgenstein Cave, Prehistoric cave and archaeological site in Ach Valley, Germany
Sirgenstein is a limestone cave in the Ach Valley positioned roughly 35 meters above the river, with its entrance facing southwest and roughly 6 meters wide. The interior extends about 40 meters into the slope and displays distinct layers of sediment that accumulated over thousands of years.
Excavations in 1906 by R. R. Schmidt uncovered nine distinct sediment layers with evidence of human occupation at the site. The artifacts recovered span from the Mousterian to the Upper Paleolithic period, showing continuous use across many millennia.
The site reveals mammoth ivory beads from around 39,000 years ago that show how people created decorative items for themselves. These objects tell us something about their craftsmanship and how they valued personal adornment.
The entrance sits at roughly 565 meters elevation and welcomes visitors year-round, though a guided tour with an expert is strongly recommended for the best understanding. The path to the cave climbs at a moderate grade, so sturdy footwear and time for the ascent from the valley are important to consider.
Multiple prehistoric hearths cluster near the cave entrance, where stone tools also remain preserved in the ground. This concentration suggests that early people preferred the front area and spent much of their time conducting daily activities there.
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