Chauvet Cave

Abstract

Dated to 38.000 years ago, Chauvet Cave (Ardèche, France) is the oldest known decorated cave in Europe. Thanks to its exceptionnal preservation, we can admire its art of such impressive scale and rare beauty that it is considered the first Masterpiece of Humanity. The human and animal remains it contains tell us about the lives of the hunter-gatherers who frequented the cave, revealing surprising aspects of our Homo sapiens ancestors, such as their astonishing ability to adapt to the environment, their relationship with the animal world, and their inventiveness and imagination quite similar to our own. From scientific data (dating, topography, graphic reproduction, 3D modelling…) to anthropological interpretation, this up-to-date study offers the reader a fascinating immersion into the Paleolithic world.