Cave of Aurignac, Prehistoric cave in Aurignac, France
Aurignac Cave is a limestone cavity that opens on the northern slope of Fajolles Ridge at about 340 meters elevation. Its interior contains distinct archaeological layers where ancient tools and bones were found undisturbed.
The cave was found by chance in 1852, and scientific excavations began in 1860 revealing abundant artifacts that changed understanding of early European cultures. These discoveries became crucial for defining a major period in human prehistory.
The site reflects how early humans adapted to life in these limestone hills, leaving behind evidence of their daily activities through scattered tools and animal bones.
The cave sits about 1.6 kilometers northwest of Aurignac village and is reached through road D635. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground inside and around the entrance can be uneven and damp.
This site lent its name to the Aurignacian period, which defines the earliest known culture of the Upper Paleolithic in Europe. Few archaeological discoveries have the distinction of naming an entire prehistoric era.
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