Definition: The archaeological site of St. Césaire, France is a rockshelter including multiple layers of prehistoric Mousterian, Châtelperronian, and Aurignacian components. Most interesting was the partial Neanderthal skeleton dated to 36,000 years, making it one of the most recent Neanderthal sites found to date. Discovered by French archaeologist François Lévêque in 1979, the site contained a nearly complete Neanderthal skull, and a Châtelperronian tool kit, which is normally associated with Homo sapiens sapiens, not Neanderthal. It is considered evidence of co-existence of Homo sapiens and Neanderthalensis, a coexistence that doesn't seem to have been consistently pleasant.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: La Roche à Pierrot
