Human Factor

Since the dawn of human civilisation, caves have held a prominent place in culture, mythology, and religion. They have been considered the homes of gods, monsters, the dead, and the undead. They have also been setting for shamanic rituals and have preserved fabulous sculptures, pictograms, and paintings that are tens of thousands of years old. However, caves have most commonly served more mundane, pragmatic purposes, such as providing living space and shelter from the elements not only during hot summer days and cold winter spells. Some caves have been or still are used as chapels or to age fine wines and cheeses.