When Neanderthals lived in Rozel 110,000 years ago
In application of the Heritage Code, the DRAC of Basse-Normandie has the mission to inventory, study and conserve the archaeological heritage, to plan and monitor scientific research and to ensure that the results are disseminated through the annual publication of the regional scientific report intended primarily for the scientific community. The excavation of the Rozel provided the perfect opportunity to build a collection intended for the greatest number, which will evolve with the news and presents important sites recently excavated or being excavated from ancient prehistory to the contemporary period.
With the first issue of this collection, discover, with Dominique Cliquet, the Neanderthals who lived at Rozel 110,000 years ago.
The Rozel site, located in the north of the English Channel, has been in danger of disappearing for several years as a result of the rapid erosion of the dunes by the sea and has been known since the late 1960s for the quality of the remains on the life of the Neanderthals it houses. Studied twice, this archaeological site of international renown has already delivered a whole set of stone tools associated with remains of wildlife consumed: aurochs, red deer, horses, and, unique discovery in the world, walrus.
Faced with its inevitable destruction, the DRAC, after consultation with the Conservatoire du littoral, conducted a first rescue campaign on this major site in June and September 2012 under the direction of Dominique Cliquet. The results have exceeded all expectations. Within a butcher’s area was uncovered a muddy soil trampled by the Neanderthals and which retained several footprints. This is a very rare discovery, perhaps unique in Europe..