All the major sites dedicated to prehistory are joining forces to give prominence to this long event, called “Prehistory Games”, which will last until the end of August, with the European Days of Prehistory as its highlight. archeology (JEA), from Friday June 14 to Sunday June 16.
1 Campaign, the nerve center
It is on the Campagne departmental site that most of the JEA will take place, with the creation of an archeology village under the aegis of the Departmental Council, the Prehistory Interpretation Center and the Institute. national preventive archaeological research (Inrap). And the program will be dense during these three free days (the first of which, Friday, is reserved for schools), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1). There will therefore be a choice between workshops (construction of a prehistoric habitat, lighting a fire, archery, archaeology, etc.), demonstrations (archery, metallurgy, excavation, etc.), and a screening-debate on the gestures of prehistory. This weekend will also be an opportunity to continue the construction of a canoe dug out of a 6 meter long trunk, which is scheduled to be launched on August 6 on the Vézère.
2 Several new exhibitions
For the occasion, the National Museum of Prehistory, in Les Eyzies, has drawn from its reserve – of nearly 7 million pieces – to put together a unique exhibition entitled “Marathon of Prehistory”, which will notably present a dozen axes in polished stone from various origins, from Brazil to Ireland via Sudan or Mali. The opening of the exhibition will take place Friday June 14 at 3 p.m. Guided tours are offered Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16 at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Also in Les Eyzies, the Prehistory Interpretation Center will offer on the same dates its exhibition “Archaeocapsule of environments and humans” which studies the way ancient societies exploited natural resources according to environmental and climatic constraints. As part of the JEA, the establishment will also contribute in an original way, by offering a circus show around Neanderthal men by acrobats (at the Château de Commarque, Saturday June 15 at 8 p.m., by reservation).
3 Surprising world championships
The European and World Jet Weapons Shooting Championships will be held alongside the JEA, in Campagne, Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16. On Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., a round of the European traditional archery championship will take place, while a round of the world championship in precision propeller shooting will take place on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. . The most courageous can try their luck during this second championship since registration is open to all, but it is necessary to have your own equipment.
