The proposed ritual compound occupies a separate part of the cave from the living chambers.
The geometry of the carved boulder suggests a representation of a tortoise or turtle.
Manot Cave was discovered in 2008, a chance find as workers built condominiums near the Israel-Lebanon border.
An excavation in Manot Cave.Photo: Manot Cave Expedition משלחת החפירות במערת מנות / Wikimedia Commons
The recent paper builds on that finding by adding a short-lived cultural dimension to the caves occupation.
But that doesnt mean our ancient relativesa much more complex group of people thanonce believeddidnt have their own rituals.
More studies of whats left in Manot Cave could demystify the exact timeline of occupation in the Levantine cave.
The incised rock found in Manot Cave. Photo: Case Western Reserve University
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