A team of archaeologists affiliated with the University of Adelaide and MINES Paris – PSL has put forth the assertion that the Ségognole 3 Paleolithic rock shelter, situated within the Paris Basin, features a miniature depiction of its surrounding terrestrial environment.
View of the three-dimensional map on the floor of Ségognole 3 rock shelter. Image credit: Médard Thiry.
The Ségognole 3 rock shelter has been recognized since the 1980s for hosting artistic etchings of two equines, rendered in a Late Paleolithic stylistic convention, positioned on either side of a symbolic representation of the female reproductive anatomy.
During 2017, investigations by archaeologists revealed that early humans had deliberately manipulated the sandstone substrate. This modification was observed to mimic the contours of the female form, with intentionally created fissures designed to channel infiltrating water into the sandstone. This process subsequently nourished an egress point at the base of the pelvic structure.
Emerging research posits that a section of the sandstone shelter’s floor, meticulously shaped and adjusted by Paleolithic inhabitants approximately 13,000 years ago, was purposefully modeled to mirror the region’s natural hydrological pathways and geological formations.
“What we have elucidated is not a cartographic representation in the contemporary sense — devoid of scale, directional indicators, or temporal benchmarks — but rather a tridimensional miniature that illustrates the dynamic functioning of a landscape. This includes the movement of water from elevated terrains into tributaries and rivers, the confluence of valleys, and the subsequent formation of lacustrine and palustrine environments downstream,” stated Dr. Anthony Milnes, an archaeologist at the University of Adelaide.
“For prehistoric populations, the directional flow of water and an understanding of topographical features likely held greater significance than our modern metrics of distance and duration.”
“Our inquiry substantiates that the human interventions undertaken to influence the hydraulic dynamics within and in proximity to the shelter extended to the deliberate shaping of natural watercourses within the broader regional landscape surrounding the rock overhang.”
“These are extraordinary discoveries that unequivocally demonstrate the cognitive faculties, innovative spirit, and engineering prowess of our ancient forebears.”
Leveraging his comprehensive research into the origins of Fontainebleau sandstone, the researchers identified several minute morphological characteristics that could not be attributed to natural geological processes, thereby suggesting deliberate human modification.
“It is probable that these architectural elements possess a far deeper, perhaps mythical, significance intrinsically linked to water.”
“The two distinct hydraulic installations — one associated with the anthropomorphic figuration and the other depicting the miniature landscape — are situated between 2 to 3 meters apart and undoubtedly convey a profound conceptualization of existence and the natural world, a depth of understanding that may remain perpetually elusive to us.”
The researchers ascertained the existence of this three-dimensional modeling through a meticulous examination of minute geomorphological features.
“This entirely novel finding affords a more profound comprehension and insight into the latent capabilities of these early human societies,” commented Dr. Thiry.
Prior to this revelation, the most ancient recognized three-dimensional map was understood to be a substantial, portable slab of rock intricately engraved by Bronze Age peoples approximately 3,000 years ago.
That particular artifact depicted a local fluvial network and elevated earth formations, reflecting a more conventional cartographic approach geared towards navigation.
“Interdisciplinary collaboration, encompassing fields such as archaeology, geology, and geomorphology, is absolutely indispensable in scientific endeavors,” emphasized Dr. Milnes.
“We are of the conviction that the most fruitful avenues of scientific inquiry lie at the nexus of disparate academic disciplines.”
“A critical re-evaluation of field studies, coupled with recurrent visits to archaeological sites, is of paramount importance,” advised Dr. Thiry.
“It is abundantly clear from our ongoing research initiative that profound insights and nuanced interpretations do not manifest instantaneously but rather emerge through the accumulation of new observations and robust interdisciplinary discourse.”
The findings of this investigation are detailed in a publication featured in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology.
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Médard Thiry & Anthony Milnes. 2025. Palaeolithic Map Engraved for Staging Water Flows in a Paris Basin Shelter. Oxford Journal of Archaeology 44 (1): 2-26; doi: 10.1111/ojoa.12316
