# Aurignac

> commune in Haute-Garonne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q679894](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q679894)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurignac)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aurignac

## Summary
Aurignac is a commune located in the Haute-Garonne department of France, situated in the Occitanie region. It is historically significant as the namesake of the Aurignacian archaeological culture, an Upper Paleolithic period known for early modern human artifacts. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Saint-Gaudens and was previously the administrative center of the canton of Aurignac until March 2015.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Aurignac is in the Haute-Garonne department, within the Occitanie region of France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 43.218611111111, Longitude 0.87944444444444.
- **Population**: Historical population figures include 1,177 (2017), 1,201 (2018), 1,275 (2019), 1,193 (2020), and 1,185 (2021).
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Saint-Gaudens and formerly the canton of Aurignac (until 2015).
- **Historical Significance**: The commune is associated with the Aurignacian culture, a key archaeological period of the Upper Paleolithic.
- **Website**: Official site at [http://www.aurignac.fr](http://www.aurignac.fr).
- **Wikidata Description**: Classified as a "commune in Haute-Garonne, France."

## FAQs
**Where is Aurignac located?**
Aurignac is situated in the Haute-Garonne department of France, within the Occitanie region. It lies at coordinates 43.218611111111 latitude and 0.87944444444444 longitude.

**What is the historical significance of Aurignac?**
Aurignac is notable for its association with the Aurignacian archaeological culture, which dates back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The nearby cave of Aurignac served as a prehistoric habitat, contributing to the understanding of early modern human development.

**What administrative changes has Aurignac undergone?**
Aurignac was the administrative center of the canton of Aurignac until March 2015, when cantonal boundaries were reorganized. It remains part of the arrondissement of Saint-Gaudens within the Haute-Garonne department.

**How has the population of Aurignac changed over time?**
Population figures for Aurignac have fluctuated, with recorded numbers including 1,177 in 2017, 1,201 in 2018, 1,275 in 2019, 1,193 in 2020, and 1,185 in 2021. Earlier data shows figures like 971 in 2010 and 980 in 2011.

## Why It Matters
Aurignac holds archaeological and historical importance due to its connection to the Aurignacian culture, a pivotal period in human prehistory. The commune’s cave sites provide critical insights into early modern human behavior, tool-making, and artistic expression. As a small but historically rich locale in southern France, Aurignac also reflects the broader cultural and administrative evolution of rural French communities, particularly in the context of regional reorganization and heritage preservation.

## Notable For
- **Aurignacian Culture**: The commune lends its name to the Aurignacian archaeological culture, a defining period of the Upper Paleolithic era.
- **Prehistoric Cave**: Home to the cave of Aurignac, a significant prehistoric habitat with artifacts from early modern humans.
- **Administrative History**: Formerly the center of the canton of Aurignac, highlighting its role in local governance.
- **Population Trends**: Demonstrates demographic shifts typical of rural French communes, with fluctuations over the past decade.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Aurignac is located in the Haute-Garonne department of France, part of the Occitanie region. The commune’s coordinates are 43.218611111111 latitude and 0.87944444444444 longitude, placing it in southern France. It is situated within the arrondissement of Saint-Gaudens, a subprefecture of Haute-Garonne.

### Historical and Archaeological Significance
Aurignac is best known for its association with the Aurignacian culture, an archaeological period of the Upper Paleolithic (approximately 43,000 to 26,000 years ago). The cave of Aurignac, located within the commune, served as a prehistoric habitat and has yielded artifacts that are crucial to understanding early modern human development. This period is characterized by advanced tool-making, bone and antler carvings, and some of the earliest known examples of figurative art.

### Administrative Structure
Aurignac was historically the administrative center of the canton of Aurignac, a territorial subdivision of France. This status remained until March 2015, when a nationwide reorganization of cantons was implemented. Today, Aurignac is part of the arrondissement of Saint-Gaudens, which oversees multiple communes in the Haute-Garonne department.

### Demographics
Population data for Aurignac shows variability over the years:
- 2010: 971 inhabitants
- 2011: 980 inhabitants
- 2012: 983 inhabitants
- 2013: 976 inhabitants
- 2014: 966 inhabitants
- 2015: 1,136 inhabitants
- 2016: 1,171 inhabitants
- 2017: 1,177 inhabitants
- 2018: 1,201 inhabitants
- 2019: 1,275 inhabitants
- 2020: 1,193 inhabitants
- 2021: 1,185 inhabitants

These fluctuations reflect broader trends in rural French demographics, including migration patterns and economic changes.

### Related Entities
- **Haute-Garonne**: The department in which Aurignac is located, created in 1790 during the French Revolution.
- **Arrondissement of Saint-Gaudens**: The administrative district overseeing Aurignac and surrounding communes.
- **Canton of Aurignac**: The former canton centered in Aurignac, dissolved in 2015.
- **Aurignacian Culture**: The archaeological culture named after the commune, representing a key phase in human prehistory.

### Cultural and Touristic Aspects
While Aurignac is a small commune, its archaeological significance attracts researchers and history enthusiasts. The cave of Aurignac and related sites offer insights into prehistoric life, making it a point of interest for those studying early human societies. The commune’s official website ([http://www.aurignac.fr](http://www.aurignac.fr)) provides information on local heritage and administrative details.

### Modern Context
As part of the Haute-Garonne department, Aurignac contributes to the regional identity of Occitanie, a area known for its historical depth and cultural diversity. The commune’s role in local governance and its archaeological heritage underscore its dual importance as both a historical site and a contemporary administrative entity.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. MusicBrainz
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)