El-Wad, Prehistoric cave in Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve, Israel
El-Wad is a prehistoric cave in the Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve on Mount Carmel with multiple chambers carved into limestone. It extends deep into the mountain and reveals natural rock formations alongside archaeological layers from different periods.
The cave was first studied systematically in the 1920s by Dorothy Garrod, who found stone tools, bone objects, and human remains from the Upper Paleolithic. This research revealed how people occupied the region across many thousands of years.
The ornaments and bead necklaces discovered here show how prehistoric people expressed themselves through decoration and craft. Visitors can observe these early signs of artistic skill directly in the displays.
The cave maintains steady temperatures year-round, making it a comfortable retreat during hot weather outside. The interior is dark and uneven underfoot, so good footwear and careful attention to your steps are important for a safe visit.
Archaeologists identified the earliest evidence of Natufian culture at this site, marking a turning point between nomadic hunter-gatherers and settled farming societies. This period shows how people began cultivating plants and staying in one place.
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