Billingual edition

The present comprehensive scientific catalogue accompanies and documents the important new temporary exhibition by the Ministry of Culture, organized by the Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology-Speleology and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, entitled “In the cave: stories from darkness brought to light”. Original in its concept, this exhibition uses an interdisciplinary approach to highlight the timeless and multifaceted relationship between humans and caves – a relationship that endures, unbroken, from the Paleolithic period until modern times.

The subject reflects the timeless and multilayered significance of caves in the life and culture of humankind. From the beginning of human evolution, caves were not only refuges from the elements and from predators, but also served as the cradle for early so-cialization, creativity and the exchange of knowledge, key for cultural development. Even when they ceased to be used for primary habitation, caves retained their primeval association with religion and transcendency, archetypal meanings and symbolism, making them timeless landmarks in myth and in collective historical memory, as well as sources of inspiration for contemplation and the arts. New among these layers of meaning – not replacing them – is the modern scientific interest in understanding the history of human interaction with the natural environment.

Literally and metaphorically, the exhibition “In the cave” aims to bring this profound and timeless relationship into the light. Through the distinct thematic and chronological units and select displays, which include anthropological, paleobotanical and paleozoological material, as well as representative archaeological finds – from prehistoric tools, utilitarian, religious and precious objects, to inscriptions and works of art from all periods – the public has the chance to conceptually travel back in time and discover the numerous aspects of life and culture relating to caves.

Caves are offered as witnesses to human history, and as gateways connecting us to our primordial roots and nature itself. Inspiring awe and curiosity and raising awareness among the public, this exhibition rein-forces our connection to the past and promotes the preservation of these unique monuments for generations to come.

A total of 296 objects, many of which are presented to the public for the first time, are displayed in the various units of the exhibition, coming from 30 caves of northern Greece and from museums and sci-entifically and culturally significant collections. Each constitutes a piece of the puzzle, telling the story of caves and the interactions between humans and nature that took place within them. At the same time, the exhibition highlights the methodological and technical particularities, the fascinating but challenging nature of conducting archaeological and anthropological research inside caves.