There are a number of prehistoric and historical evidences, which indicate that the place where the town stands now and its environ has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

1.1. Prehistoric Period

    Dire Dawa has inherited a number of rich prehistoric caves, some of which have achieved international recognitions at least among rock-art enthusiasts thanks to the French and American scholars who have carried out excavation work and other studies on a few of them since the late 1920's

1.1.1. Porc Epic Cave

    Porc Epic is situated about 3 km to the south of Dire Dawa. It lies over 140 meters above the sandy floor of the seasonal oued draining the uplands south of the town. The steep climb to this cave takes about 30 minutes. The various excavations carried out at Porc Epic so far have yielded a large amount of artifacts and other findings including Middle Stone Age assemblage, faunal and floral remains including a mandible of early homo sapiens, pottery and above all some naturalistic paintings on the wall and ceiling of the cave.

The rock paintings in this cave depict wild animals like elephants, lions, hyena, antelopes, human figures, and buffalos are portrayed on the limestone cave of Porc Epic. The paintings are executed in red.

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