Neolithic remains found in hidden Greek island cave

Archaeologists and speliologists exploring the Atspas cave, an almost inaccessible cave near the village of Skala Maries on the Greek island of Thassos, identified human cranial bones, as well as animal bones and a large number of sea shells.

View of the interior of the recently explored Atspas cave on the 
northern Greek island of Thasos [Credit: Ethnos]

According to archaeologist Anastasios Syros, a small clay 'table', decorated with incised and impressed patterns, was found in the cave.

The 'table', which showed traces of fire, appears to have served as makeshift altar. Nearby, an object carved from animal bone, perhaps a flute, was also discovered.

Both items are tentatively dated to the end of the 5th millennium BC.

Numerous pottery sherds and building remains dating from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age were likewise found.

"The pottery as a whole is handmade", says Mr. Syros. "Grooved and impressed wares are common, while painted wares are represented by only two examples, decorated with black and graphite."

The surface pottery suggests that the Atspas cave was occupied over a wide chronological range, from the late 5th to early 3rd millennium BC.

"Carinated bowls of all sizes are common. Most widespread is the type with deep conical body and vertical or recessed lip, decorated on the shoulder with diagonal grooves or ridges, but there are also open or wide mouthed pithoi, as well as globular jars and amphoroid vessels", said Mr. Syros.

Other finds include millstones and pestles, two flint cutting tools and three clay spindle whorls.

The researchers also identified iron oxides and traces of mineralization on the walls of the cave which suggests that metal ores may have been mined there.

Mr. Syros added that extensive remains of stone structures, some of which are 'monumental' in scale, found within the cave suggest that it was occupied by a populous and highly active community.

Source: Ethnos [December 17, 2014]