Definition: The site of Tautavel Cave (also called Caune de l'Arago) is an ancient karst cave in the Tautavel valley of France with over 35 feet of deposits containing over 40 very old stratified occupations, dated between 450,000 and 100,000 years before the present. Stone tools and faunal remains have been found in abundance. The oldest layers include several bone and bone fragments of several individuals of the so-called Tautavel Man, called Homo erectus tautavelensis. Archaeologist Henry de Lumley of the Institut de Paléontologie Humaine has been excavating the cave since 1964 and continues research today.
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: Arago Cave
