Le Moustier
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the verdant Vézère Valley of southwestern France, Le Moustier is a prehistoric site of exceptional significance. Renowned for its rich archaeological deposits, the site provides an invaluable window into the lives of Neanderthals, who inhabited the area over 50,000 years ago.
Le Moustier comprises two rock shelters, known as Le Moustier Upper and Lower. Excavations have unearthed a wealth of tools and artifacts, including flint points and scrapers characteristic of the Middle Paleolithic era. These finds, attributed to the Mousterian culture named after the site, have been crucial in understanding Neanderthal technology and behavior.
In addition to stone tools, evidence of hearths suggests that the site was a long-term habitation area, offering insights into the social and domestic aspects of Neanderthal life. The discovery of human remains, including a famous Neanderthal child buried at the lower shelter, has provided valuable data on the physical anthropology of our ancient relatives.
New Aquitaine
New Aquitaine