Klasies River

The Klasies River Caves are a complex of coastal caves on South Africa’s Tsitsikamma coast, widely regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding the origins of modern humans. Excavations since the late 1960s have uncovered evidence of human occupation dating back roughly 120,000–125,000 years, including some of the earliest remains of anatomically modern Homo sapiens. These findings demonstrate that the inhabitants were physically similar to modern humans and provide critical insight into early human evolution.

Archaeological deposits within the caves preserve a long sequence of Middle Stone Age activity, including stone tools, hearths, and food remains. The site is especially notable for early evidence of “coastal adaptation,” where humans systematically exploited marine resources such as shellfish, alongside terrestrial animals and plants. Thick shell middens and varied faunal remains indicate a stable and resource-rich subsistence strategy, while changes in tool technology over time reflect evolving behaviour and innovation.

Overall, Klasies River provides an exceptionally detailed record of early human life, including diet, settlement patterns, and responses to environmental change over tens of thousands of years. Its long, stratified deposits allow researchers to track shifts in climate, sea levels, and human behaviour, making it a key site in reconstructing how early modern humans adapted and eventually spread across the globe.

('Klasies River - sahra') [https://www.sahra.org.za/klasies-river-cave/]

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