Today, Ras El Kelb is a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide spectrum of the population. From its impact on society to its influence on the global economy, Ras El Kelb has generated debates and controversies in different areas. Throughout history, Ras El Kelb has been the subject of study and analysis by experts in different disciplines, which has contributed to the proliferation of information and opinions on the matter. In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of Ras El Kelb and explore its many facets, with the aim of providing a complete and enriching insight into this intriguing topic.
Location | 8 km (5 mi) from Beirut, Lebanon |
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Coordinates | 33°55′7″N 35°35′9.9″E / 33.91861°N 35.586083°E |
Part of | Settlement |
History | |
Material | Limestone |
Founded | c. 50,000 BC |
Periods | Paleolithic |
Cultures | Mousterian |
Site notes | |
Excavation dates | 1959 |
Archaeologists | Dorothy Garrod, G Henri-Martin, |
Public access | Yes |
Ras El Kelb is a truncated seaside cave and Paleolithic settlement located on the low-lying (5 m (16 ft)) coast of Lebanon, 8 km (5.0 mi) north of Beirut. It is one of the oldest habitations found in the country.
Rescue excavations were carried out in 1959 by Dorothy Garrod and G. Henri-Martin. They dug 2 trenches named the 'Rail' and 'Tunnel' trenches, from which they recovered over 30,000 flint artefacts of a wide variety for statistical analysis from 22 geological layers. It was concluded that the sea had passed the level of the cave 3 times since its first dated habitation around 50,000 years BCE (52,000 years BP).
They also discovered a tooth suggested to belong to a Neanderthal. It was suggested that the inhabitants were expert at hunting gazelle using the flints recovered.