Βραξωσκεπη Ασπροχαλικο

Brachoskepi Asprochaliko - Rockshelter Asprochaliko

Παλαιολιθικο Σπηλαιο Ασπροχαλικου

Palaiolithiko Spilaio Asprochaliko - Paleolothic Cave Asprochaliko


Useful Information

view from the road below.
Location: Near Aghios Georghios.
At the national road 5 (E951) between Ioannina and Artá, 12 km north of Filipiáda. About 20 m above the road at the foot of an overhanging cliff. Parking on the other side of the road along the road. Brown signs at the cave.
Open: no restrictions. Cave itself closed by a fence.
Fee: none
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave abri, shelter.
Light: not necessary
Dimension: 25 m wide, 5 m deep, 20 m high.
Guided tours: n/a
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography: G. N. Bailey, C. Gamble and H. Higgs (1983): Asprochaliko and Kastritsa: Further Investigations of Palaeolithic Settlement and Economy in Epirus (Northwest Greece), Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 49 (1983) 15-42.
Address:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1964-1966 excavated by the British School of Archaeology under the direction of E.S. Higgs. .

Description

the rockshelter.
the excavation.

This rock shelter was in use by Stone Age man from 100,000 years ago to 10,000 years ago. It is supposed, the people followed herds of red deer and wild goat in their seasonal mirgrations between the coast and the hinterland. So they used this shelter only during spring and autumn for a short time, when they crossed this area.

The excavated 6 m sequence revealed more than half a million flaked stone tools and fragments of animal bone. The finds were mostly from the Mousterién and the Upper Paleolithic.

At the time our reviewer visited the cave the gate was broken and it was possible to visit the cave itself. As we are convinced of cave protection, we ask visitors to be very carefull when they also do so. Please do not destroy anything, so further excavations with better methods may reveal additional informations about our ancestors.