Archaeological Breakthrough in Soran: 20,000-Year-Old Human Settlement Unearthed in Plngan Cave
The discovery reaffirms the Kurdistan Region’s historical significance as an ancient hub of human settlement, with many prominent archaeological sites scattered across its terrain.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In a major archaeological discovery, the Soran Independent Administration announced on Friday that a joint excavation mission with the University of Barcelona has uncovered several prehistoric layers inside Plngan Cave, located in the Chnar Valley in Khalifan town, Kurdistan Region.
According to the official statement released by the administration, researchers have identified three distinct stratigraphic layers within the cave, each corresponding to different eras of human occupation:
- The first layer dates back approximately 20,000 years.
- The second belongs to the Stone Age.
- The third corresponds to the Bronze Age.
The discovery reaffirms the Kurdistan Region’s historical significance as an ancient hub of human settlement, with many prominent archaeological sites scattered across its terrain.
Among these is Shanidar Cave, situated within the Soran Administration, which is recognized as one of the oldest and most significant caves in the world. Its geological history stretches back roughly 110,000 years.
In recent excavations reaching a depth of 15 meters, researchers unearthed Neanderthal remains believed to be around 75,000 years old. These findings are currently the focus of anthropological studies led by experts at the University of Oxford.
Global anthropologists hope that ongoing investigations in Shanidar and other sites like Plngan will unravel deeper insights into early human evolution and migration patterns.
This latest excavation not only marks a scientific milestone but also strengthens the cultural and historical profile of the Kurdistan Region on the global archaeological map.
