Scientists made an unexpected discovery in an Israeli cave, revealing a site for rituals and ceremonies. Check out the intriguing photos!

In the Manot Cave, located in western Galilee, Israel, scientists have uncovered the oldest known evidence of ritual gatherings in Asia. Researchers believe these gatherings took place in the deepest parts of the cave, where a specially placed stone and signs of ceremonies indicate the significance of these events, writes IFLScience.

The cave, discovered in 2008, holds a history of habitation by humans and Neanderthals spanning from the late Middle Paleolithic to the early Upper Paleolithic. Its entrance collapsed around 30,000 years ago, sealing numerous archaeological treasures inside.

In 2015, researchers unearthed a skull dating back 55,000 years, which provided physical evidence of the interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. This discovery further highlighted the cave's importance as a site of interaction and evolution.

One particularly unusual feature of the Manot Cave is a stone inscribed with turtle shell patterns, located in a niche in the deepest part of the cave. Scientists believe this stone is contemporary with some of the oldest known cave paintings in the world found in France and may have served as a totem or spiritual object.

"Its unique placement, away from daily activities at the cave entrance, suggests it was an object of worship," explained Omri Barzilai, head of the Paleo-Laboratory of Material Culture at the University of Haifa and the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The space also shows evidence of torch usage, and wood ash has been found on adjacent stalagmites. Notably, the cave's natural acoustics may have facilitated gatherings, making it an even more suitable location for various rituals and ceremonies.

Since 2012, dental students from Case Western Reserve University have participated in the excavations. Although these students are not trained archaeologists, they have made invaluable contributions by uncovering ancient fragments of bones, particularly teeth, which are more durable than other skeletal remains.

"There is an entire field of dental anthropology," noted Mark Hans, professor and chair of the orthodontics department. "As an orthodontist, I am interested in the growth and development of the human face, which turns out to be exactly what is needed for identifying anthropological specimens."

Collaboration between archaeologists and dental students reveals the interdisciplinary nature of historical research. For over a decade, these summer excavations have attracted students from various schools eager to explore the past while contributing to this research.

We also covered how knots became the writing system of the Incas. This refers to the khipu, ancient artifacts of Andean civilizations.