During an exploration of the magnificent Battifratta Cave in Italy, archaeologists were taken aback when they stumbled upon an unexpected treasure—a remarkably rare clay figurine depicting a female. What surprised them even more was the dating of the artifact, revealing its remarkable age of approximately 7,000 years.

Situated near Poggio Nativo in Sabina, Italy, the Battifratta Cave is a geological marvel adorned with captivating stalactites and stalagmites. Delving deep into its intricate network of underground chambers and tunnels, a team from the Department of Ancient Sciences at Sapienza made this remarkable discovery during their recent excavation campaign.

This ancient doll, considered unique in the region, holds within it the whispers of a bygone era, recounting tales of prehistoric society, ancient rituals, and journeys into the afterlife, Ancient Origins reported.

Adjacent to the entrance of the Battifratta Cave lies an ancient spring, likely seasonal, which is believed to have served as a gathering point for ancient communities.

The suspicion that this site held ritualistic significance has long lingered, and the unearthing of this 7,000-year-old clay figurine further bolsters this conjecture.

According to a press release from Sapienza University in Rome, such objects are exceptionally rare in Italy, with the archaeological records of the Tyrrhenian slope bearing little evidence of their existence.

Crafted during the Neolithic period, when the peninsula was inhabited by early farming communities, it is speculated that the clay doll was associated with agriculture and potentially used in fertility rituals.

This extraordinary find provides valuable insights into the cultural practices and beliefs of our ancient ancestors.

Written by staff