As you can see, it is not so much a cave as an overhang, which provided shelter from the elements, a nice flat surface for homes and commercial areas, a good view of the valley below for protection, access to plentiful water and game, and a flat valley for crops. This was as ideal as living conditions could get, and this outcropping was inhabited continuously from Neanderthal times through the Middle Ages.
Of course, the earliest inhabitants did have to contend with cave bears and cave lions!
During the Middle Ages, a whole city was constructed here.
You can see the imprints of thousands of footsteps worn in the stone.
I think the Dordogne is the prettiest region of France. Perhaps it speaks to something primitive in me. Note that there is a Roman aqueduct and a modern road in this picture. The region has obviously pleased a lot of people over a very long span of time.
4 Comments:
Someday I am so going there.
I enjoyed these pics very much.
How Interesting! I read Clan of the Cave Bear years ago...I had no idea that such a place really exsisted.
Very awesome pictures! It is so very interesting and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. This is why I like to blog. I get to see things that I wouldn't be able to see if I didn't have my blog. Much Mahalo!!
Wonderful photos! I learned a lot in this post, thanks for sharing! Every time I think of France, I always think about it in it's present time. I don't know why, but never though of Early Man being there. I wonder if they were more sophisticated and drank wine :)
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