Caves represent exceptional monuments of both natural and cultural heritage, preserving invaluable evidence of the Earth’s geological history and human occupation from deep prehistory to the present. As complex natural archives, they document past environments, climatic variability, geomorphological processes, and biological evolution. At the same time, caves have been associated with human activity across cultures, functioning as early dwellings, ritual spaces, and sites of artistic and symbolic expression.
This study employs advanced methods in Biological Anthropology to reconstruct key aspects of past human life through the integrated analysis of bioarchaeological, palaeogenetic, and palaeodietary data. Case studies include the Cave of Lakes (Peloponnese), the Cave of Negros (Astypalaia), and the Cave of Petralona (Chalkidiki), each offering exceptional archaeological and anthropological material spanning critical phases of human evolution and cultural development.
The scientific investigation and systematic documentation of selected anthropological remains, combined with the application of advanced digital technologies, constitute a methodological framework for community engagement, educational initiatives, and sustainable heritage tourism. This approach is underpinned by interdisciplinary collaboration and active stakeholder participation, ensuring the effective dissemination of scientific knowledge beyond academic contexts. By enhancing the cultural and environmental value of caves, this framework promotes both their scientific and cultural significance.

First Author: Asterios Aidonis

Co-Authors: Elissavet Ganiatsou, Angelos Souleles, Christina Kakasa, Panagiota Bantavanou, Stella Katsarou, Ioanna Efstathiou, Andreas Darlas, Christina Papageorgopoulou

Keywords:
Cave archaeology
Biological anthropology
Digital heritage
Cultural heritage preservation