Shanidar Cave, Archaeological cave in Bradost Mountain, Iraq
The limestone cave extends 53 meters in width and 40 meters in length, reaching 8 meters in height within the Zagros Mountains.
Excavations between 1957 and 1961 led to the discovery of ten Neanderthal skeletons dating from 65,000 to 35,000 years before present.
The remains of Shanidar 4 contained traces of flower pollen, indicating possible funeral practices among Neanderthal populations in this region.
The cave sits at 822 meters above sea level and requires a 162-kilometer journey from the city center of Erbil.
Archaeological evidence shows that Shanidar 1 survived multiple severe injuries, suggesting social care systems existed among Neanderthal groups.
Location: Erbil Governorate
GPS coordinates: 36.80060,44.24330
Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:52
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