A rare prehistoric ritual complex discovered in the western Galilee’s Manot Cave offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual world of prehistoric humans. Researchers believe the discovery is the first evidence of communal religious ceremonies among prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups in the Levant.
The findings, led by researchers from the University of Haifa, Tel Aviv University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the Israel Antiquities Authority, revealed a remarkable artifact: a rock shaped like a turtle shell, naturally framed by impressive stalagmites. Estimated to be 35,000 years old, it dates to the Paleolithic period.
Manot Cave's internal hall
(Simulation: Alexander Wigman, Israel Antiquities Authority)
The study, conducted by Dr. Omry Barzilai of the University of Haifa and the Israel Antiquities Authority, Professor Ofer Marder from Ben-Gurion University and Professor Israel Hershkovitz from Tel Aviv University, was published in the PNAS journal.
"This rare discovery allows us to peer into the spiritual world of Paleolithic hunter-gatherers who lived in our region 35,000 years ago,” Barzilai explained. “The carved rock was deliberately placed in a niche in the deepest and darkest part of the cave, far from the residential area near the entrance. This suggests it was used for ritual purposes.”
“The turtle shell design, carved onto a three-dimensional object, indicates it likely represented a totem or a spiritual or mythological figure. Similar finds in prehistoric caves in Western Europe served symbolic purposes and were central to communal rituals and activities,” he added.
Excavations in Manot Cave, held since 2010 by the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurion University, have unearthed stunning stalactites and significant archaeological remains from various prehistoric cultures. Among the notable discoveries is a 55,000-year-old modern human skull, the oldest known fossil of modern humans outside Africa.
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Turtle shell-shaped rock lined with geometric shapes found in cave
(Photo: Calar Amit, Israel Antiquities Authority)
During the excavations, researchers found ash remains in one of the stalagmite rings near the carved rock, confirming the use of fire to illuminate the ritual space, likely via torches. Acoustic tests revealed enhanced natural acoustics in the area, suggesting it could host communal activities such as prayers, singing and dancing.
"This is an unprecedented discovery of a special space with 'audio-visual equipment,' centered around a ritual object (the turtle),” Hershkovitz said. “It represents the first evidence of communal rituals in the Levant.”
“It’s not surprising that prehistoric hunters chose the darkest part of Manot Cave for their rituals, as darkness holds sacred and mysterious qualities, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. Establishing ritual centers in the Upper Paleolithic period was crucial for developing collective identity, marking the transition from small, kin-based hunter-gatherer groups to larger more complex societies," he explained.
Manot Cave’s ritual complex has been dated to 35,000-37,000 years ago, coinciding with the emergence of the Aurignacian culture, known for symbolic artifacts and cave paintings in Europe.
"In our excavations at the front of the cave, we uncovered rich archaeological layers with Aurignacian finds including flint tools, bone and antler implements and shell beads,” Professor Ofer Marder noted.
A hidden chamber adjacent to the ritual complex contained a complete deer antler with signs of use. "Antlers were used as raw material for various tools by Upper Paleolithic cultures, including the Aurignacian culture in the Levant,” Barzilai explained.
“The placement of the deer antler in a hidden chamber near the ritual complex suggests its connection to ceremonial activities in the cave," he added.
The researchers also mapped the cave using 3D photographic technology. "We found a clear separation between the ritual complex and the areas of daily activity near the entrance," said Alexander Wigman from the Israel Antiquities Authority. "This underscores the importance of the complex and the need to distinguish it from everyday activity areas."
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Deer antler found in cave's hidden chamber
(Photo: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority)
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The discovery sheds new light on the spiritual life of the Upper Paleolithic period in the Levant.
"This study enriches our understanding of prehistoric humans, their symbolic world and the nature of their rituals, which helped unite ancient communities,” the researchers concluded.
“Identifying communal rituals from the Paleolithic era is groundbreaking for understanding human society and reveals the central role of rituals and symbols in shaping collective identity and strengthening social bonds.”