A Paleolithic sanctuary dating from around 15,000 years ago and adorned with over 100 engravings has been discovered at L'Espluga in Francoli, Catalonia. It is the oldest relic of prehistoric art to be discovered in the region. This discovery " unprecedented " and " exceptional " according to archaeologists was made last October and announced a few days ago.
We made a fortuitous, extraordinary and unexpected discovery
Josep Maria Vergès, director of the research projectLast fall, taking advantage of a flood that occurred a few days earlier, a team of scientists had access to the Font Major cave. Their objective was to assess its archaeological potential. “ We made a chance, extraordinary and unexpected discovery. This is not something we were looking for, ”explains Josep Maria Vergès, who heads the research project, to Archeology News Network .
Wall of the cave discovered in Catalonia. Josep Maria Vergès / IPHES
Erased engravings
Experts have concluded that the remains date back to the Magdalenian - the last phase of the Upper European Paleolithic - some 15,000 years ago. Some drawings could however be slightly older, and others date from the more recent Neolithic era. The sanctuary contains a hundred engravings, of which about forty are representations of hinds, horses and oxen. As for the rest, these would be abstract symbols and signs.
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According to the researcher, the sanctuary may have been even larger, but engravings have been erased due to erosion, the passage of time and human activity. Before becoming a protected place, part of the cave was indeed a popular stop for hikers. Many visitors who did not suspect the existence of the engravings damaged them by touching the walls or even drawing graffiti on them.
Wall of the cave discovered in Catalonia. Josep Maria Vergès / IPHES
3D scans
Deemed to be too small, fragile and difficult to access, the place is now closed to visitors. However, high resolution images and 3D scans should allow not only scientists to study the site in detail, but also the public to take a virtual excursion.
Given the number and the good state of conservation of the engravings, the sanctuary constitutes a major find for Catalan archeology. " This is the first time that we have made such a discovery, " explains Josep Maria Vergès. The Spanish government has already announced that it will classify the cave as a " cultural site of national interest ". Before, perhaps, the construction of a replica.
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