Rouffignac Cave, Prehistoric cave in Dordogne, France
Rouffignac Cave is a limestone cave system with extensive underground galleries decorated with engravings and drawings of prehistoric animals. The artworks depict various animal species and are scattered throughout the cavern's passages.
The cave was created with artworks during the Magdalenian period and remained largely unknown until its rediscovery in modern times. Official recognition followed when experts confirmed its importance as an archaeological monument.
The cave bears handprints and marks left by people thousands of years ago, showing how families used this underground space in their daily lives. These traces reveal a world where people gathered beneath the earth to create and leave their impressions on the walls.
Visitors travel through the cave on a small electric train, making it easy to view the artworks without strenuous walking. Sturdy shoes and a light jacket are advisable, as the underground temperature remains cool throughout the year.
Many of the handprints found in the cave come from very young people, possibly as young as three years old. This reveals that children actively participated in the artistic activities of these ancient communities.
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