Iraq ed-Dubb, also known as the Cave of the Bear, is a notable Neolithic archaeological site located in the Wadi al-Rayyan area of northern Jordan. First excavated in the late 20th century, the site dates back to around 8000–7000 BCE, making it one of the earliest known locations of human settlement in the region. The cave provided shelter for a small community during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period, offering a rare glimpse into early sedentary life. Excavations uncovered stone tools, human burials, and evidence of domestic architecture, including stone wall foundations—indicating a significant shift from mobile foraging to a more settled, agricultural lifestyle.

What sets Iraq ed-Dubb apart is the continuity of occupation and the early adoption of architectural practices, which demonstrate a sophisticated level of adaptation to the environment. The cave’s name, “Cave of the Bear,” reflects local folklore, although there is no evidence that bears inhabited the site. Its strategic location near fertile valleys and water sources would have made it ideal for early farming and hunting-gathering activities. Iraq ed-Dubb contributes greatly to the understanding of human societal evolution in the Levant, bridging the transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic ways of life.