Detail map of Nof HaGalil, North District, Israel Overview map of Nof HaGalil, North District, Israel

A: Nof HaGalil, North District, Israel

The Oldest Intentional Burial

Circa 100000 BCE
Pieces of ocher discovered at Qafzeh, Israel
Pieces of ocher discovered at Qafzeh, Israel

In 1933 R. Neville discovered the oldest intentional burial site at Qafzeh, Israel.  The remains of as many as 15 individuals were found in a cave, along with 71 pieces of red ocher and ocher-stained stone tools. The ocher was found near the bones, suggesting it was used in a ritual" (http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/behavior/oldest-intentional-burial, accessed 05-10-2010).

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