Antelias cave

Antelias cave was a significant archaeological site located to the east of the village that contained ancient tools and remains. The excavations revealed bone implements, flint artifacts, and evidence of human occupation spanning thousands of years.

French archaeologist Godefroy Zumoffen began excavations in 1893 and uncovered artifacts from the Aurignacian period. The entire site was destroyed by dynamite in 1964 when industrial quarrying operations removed it completely.

The site reveals how people adapted to this region over thousands of years through different periods of settlement. Visitors can understand the progression of early communities and their relationship with the landscape.

The cave no longer exists at its original location, but the artifacts found there are preserved in museums. You can view collections at the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory and the Musée de l'Homme in Paris.

The site was notable for containing an unusually large amount of bone tools and flint artifacts compared to other locations from the same period. This rich collection of materials provides insights into specialized tool making and everyday activities of early inhabitants.