Amud Cave

Amud Cave is a prehistoric site located in the Nahal Amud (Amud Stream) valley in the Upper Galilee region of Israel. It is notable for the discovery of several Neanderthal skeletal remains, most famously "Amud 1," one of the most complete Neanderthal skeletons ever found.

The cave itself is a relatively small rock shelter formed in limestone cliffs. Archaeological excavations at Amud Cave have yielded a rich stratigraphic sequence spanning the Middle Paleolithic period, specifically the Mousterian culture, associated with Neanderthals. The site provides valuable insights into the morphology, behavior, and environment of Neanderthals in the Levant.

Amud 1, discovered in 1961 by Hisashi Suzuki, is a male Neanderthal believed to have lived approximately 50,000 to 70,000 years ago. He stood around 1.78 meters tall, making him one of the tallest known Neanderthals. The skeleton was found in a flexed position and is associated with evidence of deliberate burial. Other Neanderthal remains, as well as stone tools and animal bones, have also been recovered from the cave.

The lithic assemblages from Amud Cave are characteristic of the Levantine Mousterian, comprising a variety of flake tools produced using the Levallois technique. Faunal remains indicate that Neanderthals at Amud Cave hunted a range of animals, including deer, gazelle, and other ungulates.

The findings at Amud Cave contribute significantly to our understanding of Neanderthal populations in the Levant, their interactions with other hominin groups, and their adaptations to the region's environment. Ongoing research continues to refine our knowledge of the site's stratigraphy, chronology, and the lives of the Neanderthals who once inhabited it.