Beyond its use as a burial site, what cultural significance did caves, such as the Cave of Machpelah, hold in ancient Near Eastern societies during the patriarchal period?

A They were primarily used as storage facilities for grain and other agricultural products. B They served as temporary shelters for nomadic tribes during their seasonal migrations. C They were considered sacred spaces, often associated with ancestor veneration and a connection to the spiritual realm. D They were used as defensive fortifications against invading armies and rival tribes.