Chauvet Cave2003

"The discovery of the Chauvet Cave in France's Ardeche Valley in December 1994 by speleologists Jean-Marie Chauvet, Eliette Brunel, and Christian Hillaire was a remarkable event. The incredible age of the cave paintings, which dated back 35,000 years, and their exceptionally high quality were the source of both astonishment and admiration. No other major site exists that is as close in age to the arrival of modern humans in Europe." "Several years ago, a team of specialists from many different disciplines, led by Jean Clottes, began the first detailed scientific study of the cave. The cave has slowly revealed many of the secrets of its origins: its dating, the traces left by animals and humans, the artistic techniques that were used, and the themes of the paintings and engravings." "All of these discoveries are published together here for the first time, accompanied by hundreds of color illustrations that allow the public to share not only this new knowledge but also the thrill and fascination of looking into the deep time of an ancient world."--Jacket.