In a cave south of Paris, scientists have uncovered what may be the oldest surviving three-dimensional map created by prehistoric hunter-gatherers, dating back approximately 40,000 years. This discovery was made by geoscientists Médard Thiry from the Geoscience Center in France and Anthony Milnes from the University of Adelaide, Australia.
The prehistoric humans who took refuge in this cave during the Upper Paleolithic period carved and smoothed the stone floors to create a miniature model of the surrounding valley. According to a study published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology, this represents the earliest 3D map identified to date.
The research reveals further modifications to the cave's natural features aimed at directing rainwater into a network of channels carved into the floor, forming a functional representation of the actual watercourses outside the cave.
While not a strict geographical tracing of the external landscape, the engravings evoke cartographic elements. For instance, the water flow pattern indicates a functional system of rivers that closely aligns with the valley where the cave is located.
The cave, named Ségognole 3, is part of a renowned prehistoric sandstone structure complex in France, dating back to the end of the Stone Age. Consequently, the 3D map could be around 40,000 years old.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this Paleolithic map is its interaction with the landscape: during rainfall, water flows through the channels and basins, animating the model and demonstrating how rivers and tributaries would have functioned in the actual landscape.
The dynamics identified by the specialists support the idea that the engravings were not merely decorative but also functional and educational, potentially holding significant cultural and spiritual meanings. This finding is crucial for understanding the cognitive abilities and social organization of prehistoric humans.
In summary, the 3D map in Ségognole 3 illustrates the cognitive and symbolic complexity of Upper Paleolithic communities, showcasing an advanced understanding of the natural environment and a remarkable capacity for abstraction in representing spatial and functional relationships.