Badegulian period 20 500 à 18 000 ans avant le présent (≈ 250)
Main occupation of the cave.
1996
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 1996 (≈ 1996)
Official site protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Site of the cave (Box D 190): inscription by order of 4 October 1996
Key figures
Information non disponible - No historical character cited
The source text does not mention any individuals.
Origin and history
The Cave of Cassegros, also called the Cave of Laguiraudenque, is an adorned cave located in the commune of Trentels, Lot-et-Garonne. It is distinguished by its parietal paintings and engravings, mainly made during the Badegulian (between 20 500 and 18 000 years before the present). Formed during the Equatorial Interglacial, it opens partially at the beginning of the Würm glaciation, becoming a shelter for animals and then for humans. Its partial collapse at the end of this period allows a lasting occupation.
Archaeological excavations revealed lithic tools typical of the Badegulian, such as raclettes, as well as traces of occupation ranging from the recent Solutrean to the ancient Magdalenian. The walls contain animal representations, including a quadruped head (perhaps a bouquetin) in red ochre and a black horse head, partially covered with calcite. These remains are partly preserved at the National Museum of Prehistory in the Eyzies.
The cave, a private property not accessible to the public, was listed as a historical monument in 1996. It also served as a refuge or burial place until the Middle Ages. Its importance lies in its status as the only decorated cave known in the department, illustrating the parietal art of the higher Paleolithic in this region.
