The Cave of Karaftu is situated 64 km from Saqqez (and 12 km from the village of Kereftu). Strategically, this site connects the ancient road from Syria and Iraq, leading through Iran to Afghanistan, i.e. it is on the Silk Road. Throughout history, and yet till today, many caravans have passed through this road, endowing particular importance to this region. Many sites in the immediate surrounding of this rocky mountain have been found to be connected via various tunnels and corridors through the rocks. These complexes date back to 300 B.C., and belong to the Ashkanid dynasty. These have constituted a temple for Heracles (2000 years ago), and the name of this Greek god is carved on one of the walls of the third room, accompanied by a horse rider (hunting a deer) which is believed to illustrate Goudarz the Ashkanid king. Various war triumphs are also illustrated, and these are also believed to date back to the same historical era.