Caune de l'Arago, Tautavel, Perpignan, Pyrénées-Orientales, Occitanie, Francei

Regional Level Types
Caune de l'Arago	- not defined -
Tautavel	Commune
Perpignan	Arrondissement
Pyrénées-Orientales	Department
Occitanie	Region
France	Country

Tautavel, a small Pyrénées-Orientales village, is famous for being the discovery place of the oldest european man remains at the Caune de l'Arago.
The mineralogical researches in the famous palaeolithic site identified a few minerals.
Located near the village of Tautavel this cave perched overlooking the valley is home to one of the largest prehistoric sites in the world.
In July 1971 Professor Henry de Lumley team discovered a skull (one face and a front) after 7 years of systematic excavations.
Since then, annual researches have revealed more than 100 human fossils (to be seen at the Museum of Prehistory in Tautavel).
These remains have allowed to reconstruct the life and environment of Homo Erectus groups and suggest that this place was frequented by nomadic hunters from 690 000 to 300 000 years before our era.
600 000 years of climate variations are also archived there.
The activities of the excavation site is managed by the European Centre for Prehistoric Research.
Aged twenty, the "Man of Tautavel" measured 1.60 m. That Homo erectus had all the specifications of the first Europeans: a receding forehead, a ridge above the orbits, prominent cheekbones and jaws. If not yet mastering fire, he proved to be an excellent hunter. Presumably he would have chosen the site of the Arago Cave for its privileged situation, there he could overview the valley with the river and therefore his preys. (Centre européen de préhistoire).

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