Kiik-Koba

(also Kiikkoba), an ancient Paleolithic campsite in a grotto on the right bank of the Zuia River, 25 km east of Simferopol’ (Crimean Oblast, Ukrainian SSR). It was discovered by G. A. Bonch-Osmolovskii and investigated by him in 1924–26.

In the lower cultural level (early Mousterian times), small flint implements were found, as well as the bones of such animals as the giant deer (Megaloceros giganteus), red deer, saiga, wild horse, and ass. Finds from the upper level (Mousterian times) include flint points, various types of scrapers, and bones of the giant deer, saiga, Elasmotherium, wild ass, arctic fox, and other animals. The remains of walls have also been discovered, which were constructed in the Mousterian period to protect the grotto’s inhabitants from cold winds. The burial of a Neanderthal man of the classical type was found in a depression hollowed out of the rocky bottom of the grotto. The corpse was lying on its right side with slightly flexed legs (bones from the foot, shin, and wrist and a tooth have been preserved). The grave of a year-old infant in a fetal position was located nearby.