Chauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber
Chauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber North Annex · Chauvet Site
Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE)·Multi-period·🇫🇷 Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, France
About
About Chauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber
Chauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, France is a Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE) archaeological wonder attributed to Multi-period. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal site extent 150 × 90 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 43.9490N 4.5010E controls access to Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey archaeological wonder for Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, illustrating Multi-period construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2000 BCE
- Period
- Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and residential complex
- Rediscovered
- 1992 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 2000 BCE
Initial construction of Chauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber main structure
c. 1932
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1992–2007
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Chauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
43.9490° N · 4.5010° E · 304 m · 4 mapped features
Chauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber — Main Structure
structurePrincipal archaeological wonder — Site extent 150 × 90 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
43.9498° N · 4.5019° EChauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
43.9480° N · 4.5003° EChauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
43.9505° N · 4.5022° EChauvet Pont d'Arc Brunel Chamber — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
43.9474° N · 4.4999° E