Heated walls of the cave Chauvet-Pont d’Arc (Ardèche, France): characterization and chronology

Research on the Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc reveals that its decorated walls were subjected to intense heat, reaching temperatures between 300 and 375°C. This thermal alteration, characterized by discoloration, flaking, and soot deposits, was identified in both early and deep sections of the cave, suggesting widespread use of fire during the Aurignacian period (around 30,000 years ago). Paleothermometric analysis using thermoluminescence confirmed these high temperatures, while radiocarbon dating linked the heating events to charcoal used for artworks. The study proposes multiple potential functions for the fires, including lighting, torch maintenance, pigment production, or symbolic purposes, but leaves their exact role open to interpretation.

Ferrier, C., Debard, É., Kervazo, B., Brodard, A., Guibert, P., Baffier, D., Feruglio, V., Gély, B., Geneste, J.-M., & Maksud, F. (2014). Heated walls of the cave Chauvet-Pont d’Arc (Ardèche, France): characterization and chronology. Paléo, 25, 59–78. https://doi.org/10.4000/paleo.3009