Recent archaeological excavations at Gamali Caves in Tehran-Lorestan have attracted considerable national and international attention.
The project was a joint effort between Sonia Shidrang from Shahid Beheshti University and Fereidoun Biglari from the National Museum of Iran, and took place from late February to early April.
The findings have been widely reported across Iran and global media, highlighting the importance of sites in understanding prehistoric human activity in the Horamabad Valley of Lorestan, Biggrali told the Tehran Times.
“The Gamali Caves form part of a cluster of six prehistoric caves and rock shelters in the Koramabad Valley, which are now considered to be UNESCO World Heritage Status,” Sidran explained. “ICOMOS is one of the less-studied locations within the proposed heritage area, so we specifically recommended further research at Ghamari Cave to better understand its cultural sequences.”
Regarding the excavation process, she said: “With approval from the Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, the first phase of excavation survey was carried out from late February to early April.
“The most important findings provide clear evidence of Neanderthal occupation,” explained Sidran. “We discovered a distinct layer containing a collection of Neanderthal stones in direct association with processed gaming artifacts (particularly ibex and red deer) – showing clear signs of butcher and heat change. Charcoal concentrations within these living surfaces confirm the use of controlled fire and provide valuable insight into behavioral patterns.
Commenting on the analysis of ceramics, she added: “The initial investigation of painted pottery shows interesting stylistic similarities with Xetestan’s modern tradition, suggesting the possibility of cultural connections and exchange networks during that period.”
Globally, discoveries have attracted the attention of specialized archaeological and scientific publications. In the United States, the Archaeological News Network highlighted persuasive evidence of Neanderthal inhabitants within the cave.
Meanwhile, Greek media, in particular the Crete Post, focused on revelations of human traces dating back thousands of years. French outlets, including the Le Savoir Perdu des Anciens and the Le Nouvel Ordre Mondial, provided detailed analysis of the ruins of the Neanderthals from 40,000 years ago, and framing them in a broader discussion of human evolution. From Spain, Red History supports the importance of Neanderthal evidence found in Iran, but Turkish publications such as Anatolia archaeology and Arqunez have gone further, suggesting that these findings could reconstruct an understanding of prehistoric human migration and settlement patterns.
The width of coverage along North America, Europe and Asia holds the global scientific importance of the discovery of Gamali caves. By shedding new light on early human history, particularly the presence and activity of Neanderthals in the region, these discoveries sparked a renewed interest in Iran’s archaeological records and its role in the broader narratives of human prehistoric times. These findings not only enhance our understanding of early human settlement patterns in Iran, but also enhance the archaeological significance of the Gamali Cave and surrounding areas. The widespread media interest highlights the global relevance of such findings in stitching together human prehistoric pasts. Further research is expected to provide even greater insight into the region’s cultural and evolutionary history.
Dr. Sonia Shidrang, a faculty member at Shahid Beheshti University (SBU), is one of the leading researchers of Iran’s Paleolithic age. She played a pivotal role in preparing the 2024 ICOMOS nomination document for “Prehistoric Caves and the Farak Or Aflak Ensemble in Holamabad Valley.”
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