Discovering Bondi Cave
Uncovering Georgia's Ancient Past
Bondi Cave: An Overview
Bondi Cave, located in the Imereti region of western Georgia, is one of the most remarkable Palaeolithic sites in the Caucasus. Carved naturally into the limestone landscape, this ancient cave preserves layers of human occupation, spanning back to the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic periods. With its unique stratigraphy and artefact-rich deposits, Bondi Cave offers an unparalleled window into the lives of early humans in this region.
The Importance of Bondi Cave
Bondi Cave holds a special place in the study of human evolution, particularly for understanding the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition, approximately 45,000 to 35,000 years ago. This period is marked by the gradual replacement of Neanderthals by anatomically modern humans across Europe and Asia. Excavations at Bondi Cave have revealed an extensive collection of lithic tools, animal bones, and even a human tooth—believed to be one of the oldest modern human fossils in the Caucasus. These findings help researchers trace the spread of early humans, their adaptive strategies, and technological innovations during a time of significant climatic change.
Archaeological Work at Bondi Cave
Research and excavation efforts at Bondi Cave began in the mid-20th century, with systematic studies intensifying over recent decades. Initial excavations unearthed over 10,000 stone tools, alongside evidence of animal processing, plant remains, and artefacts that indicate the resourcefulness of the cave’s inhabitants. More recent excavations have focused on detailed stratigraphic analysis and dating, allowing archaeologists to piece together the timeline of human activity within the cave. Each phase of work at Bondi Cave has contributed invaluable data, helping to reconstruct the lifestyles and survival strategies of the early humans who once
Our Goals at Bondi Cave
Past to Present Archaeology, in partnership with Historic World Georgia, aims to deepen our understanding of early human life in the Caucasus through systematic excavation and preservation efforts at Bondi Cave. As one of the most significant Palaeolithic sites in the region, Bondi Cave offers unique insights into the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition. Our objectives include stabilising and examining the stratigraphic layers, exploring evidence of early human activity, and ensuring the site’s preservation for future research. Through this project, we aim to contribute valuable findings to the broader field of human evolutionary studies, all while engaging with the local community to promote cultural heritage and educational opportunities.
Work Conducted in 2024
The 2024 season marked the first year of our Bondi Cave Field School, drawing participants from across the globe to experience hands-on archaeological work at this remarkable site. Our initial focus was stabilising and re-examining the original trench, specifically addressing erosion on the western side and reshaping the northern edge to secure it. This effort allowed us to refine the stratigraphy while ensuring safer excavation conditions. Inside the cave, we established several 1x1m grid squares to test whether deposits at the rear of the cave were better preserved than those near the entrance. Preliminary findings indicated that erosion had affected various areas, with hints of postholes suggesting potential later structural use of the cave. Throughout the season, our excavations produced around 2,000 stone artefacts, including hundreds of Upper Palaeolithic blades, significantly enriching our understanding of the site’s cultural layers. A particularly notable discovery was a Neolithic burial of a juvenile, accompanied by a polished stone axe—a rare find that attracted attention from Georgian national television. This media interest will continue as part of an annual documentary series following our ongoing work, as we anticipate uncovering more burials in future seasons.
