Karain Cave

A cornerstone of Paleolithic archaeology in Turkey, Karain Cave (Karain Mağarası) offers an unparalleled, continuous narrative of human occupation extending back 500,000 years. Perched on the eastern slopes of Mount Katran within the majestic Taurus Mountains, this significant site is located roughly 430 meters above sea level, approximately 27 to 30 kilometers northwest of Antalya. The cave’s impressive cultural deposit, measuring about 11 meters thick, presents a rare and comprehensive timeline that spans the entirety of the Paleolithic periods (Lower, Middle, and Upper), the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, and even the Roman era.

• Traces of Early Hominids: The discovery of a Neanderthal cranial fragment positions Karain Cave as a primary source for the oldest human remains identified in Anatolia.
• Prehistoric Craftsmanship and Creativity: Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of prehistoric artifacts, including flint blades, expertly crafted bifacial hand axes, tools for working bone, and portable art objects that represent the earliest known artistic endeavors in Anatolia.
• Remnants of Extinct Megafauna: Fossilized bones found within the cave’s soil layers belong to animals that have long since vanished from Turkey’s modern fauna, including elephants, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, and lions.