Coptic Cave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coptic Cave |
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the entrance
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| Location | Rock of Gibraltar, Gibraltar |
| Depth | 14.8 m |
| Geology | Limestone |
| Entrances | 2 |
| Access | by request |
Coptic Cave is a fascinating sea cave located in Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a small piece of land belonging to the United Kingdom, found at the tip of Spain. This cave played a secret role during World War II. It was meant to be a trick, a "decoy," to hide a top-secret plan called Operation Tracer.
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A Secret Plan: Operation Tracer
During World War II, the British had a secret plan. They wanted to leave spies behind in Gibraltar if the enemy took over. This plan was called Operation Tracer. Coptic Cave was chosen to help protect this secret.
Operation Monkey: The Decoy Caves
Coptic Cave and another cave called Beefsteak Cave were part of something called Operation Monkey. This operation created two fake caves. These fake caves were designed to fool any invaders. If enemies searched for British spies, they would hopefully find these decoy caves instead of the real secret hideout. The existence of the real Operation Tracer was only a rumor until its actual cave was found in 1997. This discovery was made by the Gibraltar Caving Group.
Inside Coptic Cave
Coptic Cave is about 15 meters deep from its entrance. A special shaft was dug at the back of the cave. This shaft was meant to be an escape route. It also allowed supplies to be lowered into the cave using a wooden ladder. A brick wall was built to close off the entrance. There was also a man-made roof made of metal sheets and wood. This roof has since fallen down, but the brick wall is still there.
The Mystery of the Lamp
The cave got its name from a lamp found inside it in 1937. People first thought the lamp was from the Copts, an ancient group from Egypt. However, experts now believe the lamp is actually Roman. It might have been brought to Gibraltar by groups like the Vandals or Byzantines a very long time ago.
Where is Coptic Cave?
Coptic Cave is located on the Rock of Gibraltar. Gibraltar is often called the "Hill of Caves" because it has so many. All these caves, including Coptic Cave, are made of a type of rock called Limestone.
