Yafteh, Prehistoric cave and archaeological site in Khorramabad, Iran
Yafteh is a limestone cave situated at the base of Yafteh Mountain within the Zagros range, containing multiple chambers with Paleolithic artifacts and human remains. The site is organized into distinct archaeological research areas for systematic study and documentation.
American archaeologists discovered and excavated the site during the 1960s, revealing layers of Upper Paleolithic settlements and occupation. This early work established the foundation for understanding prehistoric habitation in the region.
The cave holds remains of crafted items made from shells, animal teeth, and stone pigments, showing that early inhabitants created decorative objects. These discoveries point to people who valued beauty and artistic expression in their daily lives.
The cave is located west of Khorramabad in Lurestan province and maintains steady temperatures year-round. Visitors can expect stable conditions and multiple zones to explore.
The site contains one of the most extensively dated collections of Paleolithic remains in Iran, with scientific evidence spanning tens of thousands of years of human activity. This exceptional record provides crucial data for understanding early settlement patterns.
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