In a recent joint endeavor, archaeologists from Shandong University (SDU) and the University of Bordeaux discovered a human distal phalanx fossil and a milk tooth fossil in Dordogne, south France. Led by Professor Luc Doyon of SDU's Institute of Cultural Heritage, this excavation project has seen significant progress since its initiation in 2016.

Situated on the southern edge of Tourtoirac town, the cave sits halfway up the mountain, featuring a northeast-facing entrance and extending 5 to 8 meters in depth. Since Professor Li Zhanyang from SDU first proposed the Sino-French collaboration, the team has unearthed over 20,000 artifacts, including human and animal fossils, stone tools, and artwork. Among the most significant discoveries are the distal phalanx and milk tooth fossils, a Neanderthal and modern human finger bone found in 2022, and a human tooth fossil.

The uncovered strata reveal the site's immense archaeological potential, dating back 30,000 to 6,000 years. This excavation has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding between Chinese and French cultures, contributing to the exchange and study of ancient civilizations.

Supported by the local government, the team has established a field archaeology practice base and a field archaeology laboratory, offering students hands-on experience and facilitating further exploration.

Marking the first Paleolithic collaboration in 59 years of diplomatic relations between China and France, this joint archaeological project serves to enrich intercultural exchanges and mutual learning.

An archaeology team from Shangdong University explores a cave in France. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]