A New Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic Facies at Belbaşı rock shelter on the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia

Authors : Enver Y BOSTANCI

Pages : 252-292

View : 14 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 1962-04-20

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The rock shelter at Belbaşı is situated about five kms. from the Beldibi rock shelter and is on the western side of the bay of Antalya. It is approximately 300 metres above sea level and is at the head of a shallow valley which runs down to the sea and is covered with pine trees. The new coastal road which has recently been completed passes near the Belbaşı rock shelter but it can only be reached on foot and is an hour\`s climb from the road. I discovered this rock shelter during the season of 1959 but the first opportunity I had to make a sounding was in September 1960. The journey from Antalya can also be made by motor-boat and this takes about three hours. Belbaşı is a narrow pass through which ran an old Roman road leading to the interior of Lycia. At the top is a small plateau which has been cleared of trees and cultivated by the present-day villagers. On the north-eastern side of this plateau the mountain rises up steeply again and a rock shelter has been formed in the cretaceous limestone which has emerged by erosion. The rock shelter faces due south and is in the centre of a wooded area which must have been very suitable for hunting in prehistoric times, as it is to-day, and mountain goats, deer, wild boar, etc. are still to be found. The general position is more sheltered than at Beldibi.
Keywords : Belbaşı, Antalya, Beldibi, Rock Shelter, Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Lycia