Name and Identification:
The Adlun Archaeological Site is a complex of prehistoric sites composed of a Paleolithic rock shelter known as the “Zumoffen Shelter” and a large karstic cave known as the “Bezez Cave,” reflecting thousands of years of history.
Description:
The Adlun Archaeological Site is a complex of prehistoric locations consisting of two main components: a Paleolithic rock shelter known as the “Zumoffen Shelter” and a large karstic cave known as the “Bezez Cave.” The Zumoffen Shelter has yielded material cultures reflecting three distinct entities: the Beach industry, the Amudian, and the Yabrudian.
Bezez Cave, on the other hand, is the only prehistoric site in Lebanon preserving evidence of Paleolithic occupations spanning more than 300,000 years, reflecting the presence of multiple human species. The cave has revealed a well-defined stratigraphic sequence comprising four prehistoric periods and cultures: the Acheuleo-Yabrudian industry, the Mousterian industry, the Upper Paleolithic industries, and the Neolithic period.
In many respects, the Adlun Archaeological Site is essential for understanding Paleolithic cultures at both the local and regional levels.
Date of Inclusion on the List and Statement of Inscription:
Provisional enhanced protection was granted to the Adlun Archaeological Site on 18 November 2024 by the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict during its fourth extraordinary meeting (Decision 4 EXT COM 4.1) (UNESCO, November 2024), through the adoption of the Statement of Provisional Inscription of the property on the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, as follows:
Statement of Provisional Inscription:
In light of paragraph 32 of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention, the cultural property, the Adlun Archaeological Site (Lebanon), meets the criterion of the greatest importance for humanity.
The Committee considers that the outbreak of hostilities on Lebanese territory does not allow for the provision of information regarding adequate national legal and administrative measures recognizing its exceptional cultural and historical value and ensuring the highest level of protection, in accordance with Article 10(b) of the Second Protocol. Consequently, provisional enhanced protection is granted in accordance with Article 10(a) and (c), pending the outcome of the normal procedure for granting enhanced protection.
A declaration of non-use for military purposes was signed by the Minister of National Defence of Lebanon on 18 October 2024, confirming that the cultural property, the Adlun Archaeological Site (Lebanon), will not be used for military purposes or to shield military sites. Accordingly, the property fulfills the condition that the Party having control of the cultural property declares that it will not be used for military purposes or to protect military sites.
Location, Boundaries, and Immediate Surroundings:
In accordance with paragraphs 57 and 58 of the Guidelines, Lebanon has clearly defined the boundaries of the cultural property and its immediate surroundings. Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, along with maps identifying the boundaries of the property and its immediate setting, were submitted with the application.
Central Coordinates:
- Component – Adlun I: Zumoffen Shelter: 710877.92 / 3698915.936
- Component – Adlun II: Bezez Cave: 710902.7081 / 3698952.734
UTM coordinates defining the boundary lines of the property have also been provided below.
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