Cave 17 (Library Cave)

Cave 17, also known as the Library Cave, is a hidden chamber near the ancient Buddhist site of Dunhuang in China. Discovered in 1900, it contained thousands of ancient manuscripts, scrolls, and artworks dating from the 4th to 11th centuries. These documents provide invaluable insights into Buddhist teachings, trade, history, and culture along the Silk Road. The cave’s sealed environment preserved this rich collection for centuries, making it one of the most important archaeological discoveries related to Central Asian history and early Buddhism.