Life-size replica of Chauvet cave art in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, France

The past, unearthed. International Archaeology Day

Some discoveries start with a shovel. Others start with a drawing on a cave wall. International Archaeology Day celebrates both the detective work and the evidence behind them. Organised by the Archaeological Institute of America, this annual event began in 2011 and became International Archaeology Day in 2013 as participation expanded worldwide. Today, it brings archaeology closer to the public through talks, museum programmes, site visits, simulated digs and hands-on activities.

That detective mindset helped reveal the significance of Chauvet Cave in southern France. Discovered in 1994, the cave contains more than 1,000 drawings and engravings depicting at least 14 animal species, including mammoths, lions, rhinoceroses and bison. Dating back to roughly 35,000 years ago, the artwork offers evidence of early human creativity and artistic techniques. The original cave is carefully protected, so visitors can experience a life-size replica at Grotte Chauvet 2 in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Archaeologists combine excavation, documentation, scientific dating and modern imaging to turn such discoveries into clues about the past.