Arcy-sur-Cure facts for kids
Arcy-sur-Cure is a small town, also known as a commune, located in the Yonne department in the central part of France. It's a place with a rich history, especially known for its amazing prehistoric caves.
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Discovering the Caves of Arcy-sur-Cure
Arcy-sur-Cure is famous around the world for its incredible cave system. These caves are not just any caves; they are a window into the lives of early humans, including both Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons, who lived there thousands of years ago.
A Glimpse into the Stone Age
The caves at Arcy-sur-Cure have been explored for centuries. People first started finding important artifacts there in the 17th century. But it was in the 19th and 20th centuries that serious archaeological digs began. These digs uncovered amazing evidence of how prehistoric people lived.
Who Lived in the Caves?
Scientists have found signs of two main groups of early humans in the Arcy-sur-Cure caves:
- Neanderthals: These early humans lived in the caves between 250,000 and 35,000 years ago. They were skilled hunters and toolmakers.
- Cro-Magnons: These are early modern humans, similar to us. They arrived after the Neanderthals, around 33,000 years ago. They were known for their advanced tools and incredible cave art.
Amazing Discoveries
Inside the caves, archaeologists have found many important items:
- Tools: Stone tools like scrapers, knives, and spear points show how these early people hunted and prepared food.
- Bones: Animal bones tell us about the animals they hunted, such as mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, and reindeer. Human bones also help us understand their physical features.
- Jewelry: Some findings include beads and pendants, showing that early humans had a sense of art and decoration.
- Cave Paintings: One of the most exciting discoveries is the cave paintings. These artworks, made by Cro-Magnons, show animals like mammoths and bears, as well as handprints. They are some of the oldest cave paintings ever found in Europe.
Why Are These Caves Important?
The Arcy-sur-Cure caves are very important for understanding human history. They provide clues about:
- Early Human Behavior: The tools and art show how early humans thought, created, and adapted to their environment.
- Climate Change: The types of animal bones found help scientists understand how the climate changed over thousands of years.
- Cultural Development: The presence of art and jewelry suggests that early humans had complex cultures and beliefs.
Today, the caves are protected and studied. They continue to teach us new things about our ancient ancestors and the world they lived in.
See also
In Spanish: Arcy-sur-Cure para niños
