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The oldest human-made structure? Inside Greece’s Theopetra Cave

The oldest known human construction

The oldest human-made structure? Inside Greece’s Theopetra Cave
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StarsInsider
11/03/2026 09:00 ‧ 1 month ago | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE

History

Theopetra Cave challenges everything we thought we knew about early human history. For over 130,000 years, this limestone shelter provided a home to both Neanderthals and modern humans, creating an unbroken record of life across the ages.

The most stunning discovery is a stone wall built 23,000 years ago to protect inhabitants from the freezing winds of the last Ice Age. This humble barrier is the oldest known human-made structure on the planet, predating the Great Pyramids by many thousands of years.

Through decades of careful excavation, scientists have uncovered footprints, ancient tools, and early pottery that tell a story of survival and change. In this gallery, we explore the many layers of this prehistoric wonder. Curious? Click to know more.

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