Discovery of the cave 1978 (≈ 1978)
Unauthorized searches revealing ceramics and human remains.
1980
First archaeological expertise
First archaeological expertise 1980 (≈ 1980)
Engravings attributed to the Paleolithic, medieval furniture identified.
3 juillet 2013
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 3 juillet 2013 (≈ 2013)
Official protection of the cave and its surroundings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The prehistoric cave (cad. A 489): inscription by decree of 3 July 2013
Key figures
Fille du propriétaire (nom inconnu) - Discovery of the site
The cave was discovered in 1978.
Origin and history
The Muzardie Prehistoric Cave was discovered in 1978 by the daughter of the landowner during unauthorized excavations. This accidental discovery revealed ceramics and human remains, attracting the attention of archaeologists. The first studies, carried out in 1980, confirmed the presence of archaeological furniture dating back to the Middle Ages, while at the same time attributing the parietal engravings to the Paleolithic, thanks to the analysis of the themes, style and techniques used.
The engravings, studied in 1980, were identified as belonging to the Paleolithic, while other elements of the furniture suggested occupation or reuse of the site in the medieval era. This chronological duality makes it a rare testimony of cultural and artistic transitions between these two periods. The cave was officially protected by a registration order under the Historic Monuments on 3 July 2013, recognizing its exceptional heritage value.
The location of the cave, reported as approximate (estimated at 5/10), is located at "30 A La Muzardie, 24260 Campagne", in the Dordogne department. This site illustrates the importance of incidental discoveries in enriching archaeological knowledge, while highlighting preservation issues related to uncontrolled excavations. The Insee code of the commune (24076) and its attachment to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (formerly Aquitaine) complete its geographical and administrative anchor.
