Mishin Kamik Cave: an unusual Pleistocene site in Northwestern Bulgaria

Abstract

Bulgaria encompasses most of the Balkan migratory corridor (part of the so-called Danubian corridor) which facilitated the dispersal of mammals and Homo populations into and out of Europe. In spite of the scarcity of human fossil remains, the rich evidence of more than 20 Palaeolithic sites in Bulgaria suggests long-term human presence and various activities. Northwestern Bulgaria is known for the massive karstic formations in the area around the present-day town of Belogradchik. Three important Palaeolithic settlements have been excavated there, namely the caves of Kozarnika, Magura and Mishin Kamik. This paper presents the results of five short but intensive excavation campaigns in Mishin Kamik Cave. No human fossil remains or lithic artefacts have been recovered. However, the excavations produced several bone artefacts and a number of intriguing features, including an apparently intentional arrangement of bear skulls, which suggest the cave was visited by humans at the end of the Middle Pleistocene.