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In the French commune of Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. In the Dordogne département. There is a cave and its attachments
They have more than 8 km (5.0 mi) of underground passageways. Some say, the 250 engravings and cave paintings are found here too. Date back to the upper paleolithic period.

Because of the number of explorers and visitors; and, timeline. Some have disputed authenticity of its paintings
Needless. It is renowned for its impressive collection of cave art, including numerous engravings and drawings. Primarily they depict animals, such as: mammoths, horses, bison, reindeer, and other ice age fauna.

Not many artifacts and signs of occupation traces. Make it hard to date
According to some, the art style belongs to the middle magdalenian. Or between 17 and 12,000 years ago. Before the neolithic human occupations. Where, at the front of the cave they probably had a shelter. And, several fireplaces, animal bones and stone tools were found.

One of the notable sections of the cave is the “mammoth gallery”
There is a number of mammoth drawings here. Situated on the ceiling and walls.

Some of the passageways are yet not explored. And, it’s dangerous
Visitors of the cave, board an electric train that takes them about 2 km. Though not all of it is accessible to the public.

Did you know? There’s presence of cave bears here. It is attested by scratch marks on the walls. And, bones were found there too.

This cave was known to locals for centuries. But its paleolithic art was rediscovered in a more modernly. The Rouffignac cave is considered an important archaeological and cultural site. It provides valuable insights into the artistic expressions of prehistoric peoples. It is open to the public for guided tours. Allowing visitors to experience the fascinating world of cave art. You should check it out.

Bibliography: Website of the cave (http://www.grottederouffignac.fr/) (English & French)

“Grotte de Rouffignac (https://web.archive.org/web/20110402094951/http://www.grottederouffignac.fr/default.asp) (French)

Leroi-Gourhan, A. (1988).Leroi-Gourhan, A. (1988). Rouffignac. In: Dictionnaire de la Préhistoire, sous la dir. d’A. Leroi-Gourhan, Presses universitaires de France, Paris, pp. 959–960