The Dordogne, France: Lascaux's Prehistoric Cave Paintings - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide

Summary

This script explores the prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux, dating back to the Magdalenian culture around 17,000 years ago. The paintings, discovered by chance in 1940, were damaged by visitors and are now closed to the public. A replica, Lascaux II, allows visitors to experience the art. The script delves into the sophisticated Magdalenian society, highlighting their advanced tools, jewelry, and the significance of the art as a societal memory. The National Museum of Prehistory provides context, showing the Magdalenians' advanced culture compared to traditional caveman depictions.

Takeaways

• ⏳ The cave paintings in the Lascaux region date back to around 18,000 to 10,000 BC, predating famous structures like Stonehenge and the Pyramids.
• 🐘 These prehistoric artworks were created during a time when mammoths and saber-toothed cats roamed the earth, showcasing the advanced capabilities of early humans.
• 🎨 The paintings are not simple drawings but are part of a complex and sophisticated artistic project, indicative of a developed culture known as the Magdalenians.
• 🗻 The region's limestone cliffs contain numerous painted caves, a unique geological and cultural phenomenon on Earth.
• 🐕 The Lascaux caves were discovered by chance in 1940 by four children and their dog, highlighting the serendipity of archaeological finds.
• 🌡️ The caves were closed to the public after only 15 years due to the rapid deterioration of the paintings caused by the impact of visitors.
• 🗿 Visitors can now experience the Lascaux caves through a replica, Lascaux II, which preserves the integrity of the original artwork.
• 🔮 The paintings are not hunting scenes but are believed to represent deeper meanings, possibly dreams or myths, and serve as a form of societal memory.
• 🏺 The Magdalenian culture is revealed to be highly advanced, with evidence of delicate jewelry, effective tools, and realistic carvings.
• 🕯️ The sophistication of the Magdalenian people is further emphasized by the presence of oil lamps, indicating a developed understanding of light and possibly ritualistic practices.
• 🌟 The comparison of the Lascaux art's age to the entirety of human history underscores the relative recency of these artworks and our close connection to these ancient cultures.

Q & A

What period did the prehistoric people paint inside caves in Europe?

The prehistoric people painted inside caves in Europe from about 18,000 until 10,000 BC.

What were the notable animals that roamed the earth during the time of the cave paintings?

During the time of the cave paintings, mammoths and saber-toothed cats roamed the earth.

Who were the artists responsible for the cave paintings?

The artists responsible for the cave paintings were part of the Magdalenian culture.

What is unique about the region's limestone cliffs?

The region's limestone cliffs are unique because they are honeycombed with painted caves.

How were the Lascaux caves discovered?

The Lascaux caves were discovered accidentally in 1940 by four kids and their dog.

Why were the original Lascaux caves closed to the public?

The original Lascaux caves were closed to the public because the influx of visitors caused damage to the cave paintings, such as introducing fungus and altering humidity and temperature.

What is the purpose of Lascaux II?

Lascaux II is an adjacent replica of the original Lascaux caves, allowing visitors to experience the wonder of the cave paintings without damaging the originals.

What is significant about the composition of the oxen room in Lascaux?

The oxen room in Lascaux is significant because it features a calculated composition that relates two groups of bulls facing each other and unites the three principal animals of Lascaux: horse, ox, and deer.

Why is the largest bull painting in the Lascaux caves considered important?

The largest bull painting is considered important as it is the largest artwork in the cave, measuring 16 feet from the top of the horn to the tip of the tail, and it is a central part of the sacred and complex composition within the caves.

What does the guide suggest about the purpose of the cave paintings?

The guide suggests that the cave paintings were not everyday life scenes but rather complex meanings, possibly dreams or myths, intended to be a memory for the society.

How does the National Museum of Prehistory provide context to the Lascaux paintings?

The National Museum of Prehistory provides context by housing over 18,000 artifacts, including bones, stones, and tools, which show that the Magdalenian people, who lived 15,000 years ago, were far more advanced than commonly depicted cavemen.

What does the script suggest about the sophistication of the Magdalenian culture?

The script suggests that the Magdalenian culture was highly sophisticated, as evidenced by their advanced tools, jewelry, and the realism in their art, which is comparable to modern standards despite being much older than the oldest pyramids.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Prehistoric Art of the Magdalenians

The script discusses the prehistoric cave paintings in Europe dating back to 18,000 to 10,000 BC, created by the Magdalenian culture. These sophisticated artworks were painted deep inside limestone caves and are unique to the planet. The most famous of these, Lascaux, was discovered by chance in 1940 but had to be closed to the public due to the damage caused by the influx of visitors. Today, visitors can experience a replica called Lascaux II. The paintings are not mere hunting scenes but are believed to represent deeper cultural and mythological significance. The script also mentions the National Museum of Prehistory, which houses artifacts that show the advanced nature of the Magdalenian people, such as intricate jewelry, functional tools, and realistic carvings.

Keywords

💡Magdalenians

The Magdalenians were a culture of prehistoric people who lived during the Upper Paleolithic period in Europe, specifically around 18,000 to 10,000 BC. They are known for their sophisticated cave paintings, which were not mere doodles but complex artistic expressions. In the video, the Magdalenians are highlighted as the creators of the famous Lascaux cave paintings, indicating a highly developed culture with skilled artists and a society that valued and supported such artistic endeavors.

💡Lascaux

Lascaux refers to a complex of caves in southwestern France that contain some of the most famous prehistoric cave paintings in the world. The script mentions that these paintings were discovered accidentally in 1940 and have since been recognized as a significant cultural heritage site. The caves were closed to the public to preserve the art, and visitors can now experience a replica called Lascaux II, which is described as a 'sacred place' in the video, emphasizing the cultural and historical importance of the site.

💡Cave Paintings

Cave paintings are ancient drawings, often in the form of pictographs, that were created by prehistoric humans on cave walls. In the context of the video, these paintings are depicted as 'huge and sophisticated projects' that required significant cultural support and artistic skill. The Lascaux cave paintings, in particular, are highlighted for their detail and complexity, such as the 16-foot bull, which is the largest painting in the cave art and serves as a central figure in the composition.

💡Prehistoric Art

Prehistoric art refers to the artistic creations made by early humans before the advent of written history. The video emphasizes the advanced nature of the Magdalenian culture as evidenced by their cave paintings, which are not simple depictions of everyday life but rather complex compositions that may represent dreams, myths, or societal memories. The art is seen as a reflection of the society's values and a means of preserving its collective memory.

💡Sacred Place

In the video, the term 'sacred place' is used to describe the significance of the Lascaux caves, suggesting that they held a special meaning for the Magdalenians beyond their everyday living spaces. The caves were used for creating art that was likely tied to rituals or spiritual beliefs, indicating a deep cultural and possibly religious significance. The guide's reference to the 'oxen room' as the most spectacular room of Lascaux underscores the idea that these spaces were chosen for their ability to inspire awe and reverence.

💡Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present, and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. The video discusses the Lascaux cave paintings as part of the cultural heritage of the Magdalenians, emphasizing their enduring value and the need for preservation. The creation of a replica, Lascaux II, is an example of how modern society recognizes and respects this heritage.

💡Upper Paleolithic

The Upper Paleolithic is the third and last subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age, covering the period from about 50,000 to 10,000 BC. It is marked by the emergence of modern human behavior, including the creation of art, complex tools, and evidence of symbolic thought. The video places the Magdalenians within this period, highlighting their advanced artistic capabilities and the sophisticated nature of their culture, which is evident in the detailed and expressive cave paintings.

💡National Museum of Prehistory

The National Museum of Prehistory, mentioned in the video, is a modern museum that houses over 18,000 artifacts, including bones, stones, and other items, all uncovered locally. These artifacts provide a context for understanding the Magdalenian culture, showing that they were more advanced than the stereotypical image of 'cavemen.' The museum serves as an educational resource, offering insights into the daily life, technology, and artistry of the prehistoric people.

💡Artifacts

Artifacts are items made or shaped by humans that provide information about past cultures and societies. In the video, the artifacts found by the National Museum of Prehistory, such as delicate jewelry, barbed spearheads, and finely carved spear throwers, are highlighted to show the advanced nature of the Magdalenian culture. These items demonstrate their technical skills, artistic sensibilities, and the sophistication of their daily life.

💡Memory of the Society

The concept of 'memory of the society' refers to the collective knowledge, traditions, and experiences that are passed down through generations. In the video, the guide suggests that the Lascaux cave paintings serve as a form of societal memory, capturing dreams, myths, and other significant cultural narratives. This idea emphasizes the role of art in preserving and transmitting the values and history of a community.

Highlights

Prehistoric people painted inside caves in Europe between 18,000 and 10,000 BC.

The paintings were not simple doodles but large and sophisticated works by the Magdalenian culture.

The region's limestone cliffs contain unique painted caves on Earth.

Lascaux, with the world's most famous cave paintings, was discovered by four children and their dog in 1940.

Over a million visitors in the decades after discovery caused significant damage to the caves.

The caves were closed to the public after only 15 years due to rapid deterioration.

Visitors can now experience a replica of Lascaux, called Lascaux II.

The oxen room in Lascaux is considered the most spectacular and sacred.

The paintings depict a complex composition of animals, not hunting scenes.

The largest painting in the cave is a bull, 16 feet from horn to tail.

The 600-animal composition suggests a complex society with skilled artists.

The art of Lascaux is thought to be around 17,000 years old.

The nearby National Museum of Prehistory houses over 18,000 artifacts from the region.

Magdalenian people were advanced, with evidence of delicate jewelry and functional tools.

Finely carved spear throwers and oil lamps show the sophistication of the Magdalenian culture.

The prehistoric caves and artifacts reveal a shared humanity and sophistication with the Magdalenians.

Transcripts

From about 18,000 until 10,000 BC,

long before Stonehenge and the Pyramids,

back when mammoths and saber-toothed cats

still roamed the earth,

prehistoric people painted

deep inside caves in this part of Europe.

These weren't just crude doodles,

but huge and sophisticated projects

executed by artists

and supported by an impressive culture --

the Magdalenians.

The region's limestone cliffs,

honeycombed with painted caves,

are unique on this planet.

Tourists gather nearby at Lascaux,

home of the region's -- and the world's --

most famous cave paintings.

These caves were discovered accidentally in 1940

by four kids and their dog.

Over the next couple of decades,

about a million visitors climbed through

the prehistoric wonderland, inadvertently

tracking in fungus on their shoes

and changing the humidity and the temperature

with their breathing.

In just 15 years, the precious art

deteriorated more

than in the 15,000 years before that.

The caves were closed to the public.

Visitors can now experience the wonder of Lascaux

by touring an adjacent replica.

When their time comes, visitors are called

to meet their guide for a look

at the precisely copied cave

called Lascaux II.

Man: Then we are in the oxen room --

the most spectacular room of Lascaux.

It's a sacred place.

We don't live in a church.

They never lived in the caves.

And it's a huge composition.

It's a calculated composition,

because they have taken advantage

of the strip of rock

to relate in a circle

two groups of bulls

facing each other.

And in the center of this composition,

they have united

the three principal animals of Lascaux --

horse, ox, and deer.

Steves: Is this a hunting scene?

No, it's not a hunting scene,

because on the walls,

the hunter doesn't exist.

They never tell the everyday life.

The meaning is more complex.

What is the biggest animal?

It's this bull.

He's the largest painting

in the cave art.

16 feet from the top of the horn

to the tip of the tail.

Steves: The guide explains

that this 600-animal, multi-cave composition

was the work of a complex society,

the Magdalenians.

Their culture allowed for skilled artists

to work over an extended period of time

in this sacred place.

Guide: They fix, maybe, on the walls,

a dream, a myth,

on the ledge, and the image will be able

to cross generations.

The image becomes the memory of the society.

The art of Lascaux is supposed to be

around 17,000 years old.

But compared to the beginning of the humanity,

which was born in Africa 3 million years ago,

Lascaux, it was yesterday.

They were like us.

Steves: The region has many more examples

of prehistoric cave painting.

And the nearby National Museum of Prehistory

provides an instructive background.

This modern museum houses over 18,000 bones,

stones, and fascinating little doodads,

all uncovered locally.

Artifacts are originals,

and show that, while the Magdalenian people

lived 15,000 years ago, they were far more advanced

than your textbook cavemen.

Skeletons were discovered draped in delicate jewelry.

Stag teeth and tiny shells were, it seems,

lovingly drilled to be strung

into necklaces.

These barbed spearheads and fishhooks

would work well today.

Finely carved spear throwers show impressive realism

for something three times as old

as the oldest pyramids.

Imagine flickering flames

from these oil lamps

lighting those art-covered caverns.

Today, as we ponder the prehistoric caves

and the artifacts of the Magdalenian people

here in the Dordogne, we can marvel

at how much we actually have in common with these people

and how sophisticated their culture was, so long ago.