Chauvet Cave Information

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Location

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  Chauvet Cave is in the Ardeche region of southern France, near Vollon-Pont d'Arc. It is set into a limestone cliff.

Discovery

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  In December 1994, cavers Eliette Brunel Deschamps, Christian Hillaire and Jean-Marie Chauvet entered the cave and discovered a chamber full of animal bones. The decorated walls featured an unusual predominance of predators, including hyenas, cheetahs and bears.

Age

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  Radiocarbon dating suggested that the art dated from two periods: the Aurignacian (30,000 to 32,000 years ago) and Gravettian (25,000 to 27,000 years ago). This made them the oldest currently known.

Debate

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  Some archaeologists, such as Christian Züchner, have argued the art might be younger, of Gravettian and even more recent periods.

Contents

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  Other discoveries included cave bear prints and bones, bones from other animals such as ibex, fireplace remains and a child's footprints.

Status

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  The cave was designated a historic monument in 2005, and in 2007 the French government acquired it for the state. It is not open to the public and is under surveillance to stop unwelcome visitors.