The Abri de Cap Blanc is a prehistoric rock shelter located in the Dordogne region of France. It boasts a remarkable frieze of prehistoric sculptures dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The site is renowned for its detailed carvings of horses, bison, and human figures, which provide invaluable insights into the lives and artistic expressions of early humans. Recognized for its historical significance, Abri de Cap Blanc has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley.
Grotte de FontGaume
The Grotte de Font-de-Gaume is a prehistoric cave located in the Dordogne region of France. It holds significant historical importance due to its Paleolithic cave paintings. These artworks are some of the few remaining polychrome, or multi-colored, paintings from this era. The cave is a key site for understanding early human artistic expression and has been a focal point for studies on prehistoric life. Discovered in 1901, it has since been protected as a cultural heritage site, offering insights into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors.
Vindolanda
Vindolanda is a fascinating historical site located near Hadrian’s Wall in Northern England. It was a Roman auxiliary fort (castrum) and village (vicus) that served as a military post on the northern frontier of Britannia. The site is renowned for the Vindolanda tablets, one of the most important finds of military and personal correspondence (written on wooden tablets) from the Roman world. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the daily lives of the soldiers, families, and civilians who lived there nearly 2,000 years ago. Vindolanda remains a rich source of archaeological discovery, with ongoing excavations revealing more about the Roman Empire’s reach into ancient Britain.
Lascaux Cave
The Lascaux Cave, a complex of caves in southwestern France, is famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings. Discovered in 1940 by four teenagers, the cave’s walls are adorned with over 600 paintings and 1,500 engravings that date back to approximately 17,000 years ago. These artworks depict large animals, human figures, and abstract signs, providing a window into the lives and minds of our prehistoric ancestors. The cave is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most significant sites of prehistoric art in the world.
St Kilda
St Kilda is a remote archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies, it’s Scotland’s westernmost point. Once inhabited, St Kilda hosts the remains of a unique community that lived in isolation until the 20th century. The islands boast a dual World Heritage Site status for both natural and cultural significance. The evacuation of its last residents in 1930 marked the end of an era for a way of life that had persisted for centuries.
Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury Tor is a hill near Glastonbury in the English county of Somerset, topped by the roofless St. Michael’s Tower. A site of ancient religious significance, it is often associated with the legend of King Arthur and said to be the mythical Isle of Avalon. The Tor rises from the flat landscape of the Somerset…