Spanish scientists from the University of Zaragoza have discovered more than a hundred ancient cave paintings in the 500-meter-high Cova Dones cave, located near Valencia in the Eastern Iberian region. The find, which is at least 24 thousand years old, may be the largest Paleolithic monument in Europe. To work published In the scientific journal Antiquity.
Although Spain remains the country with the largest number of Paleolithic rock art sites, most of these are concentrated in the north of the state. Eastern Iberia is a region where only a few such findings have been recorded so far.
Exhibits in the underground “gallery” included 19 authenticated images of fallow deer, horses, bison, deer and other animals.
According to archaeologists, the works at Cova Dones are distinguished by numerous motifs and various techniques. What was unusual was that most of the paintings were made of clay. Clay painting was known in Paleolithic art, but few examples of its use survive.
The scientists emphasized that their research is at an early stage and there are still many areas to be explored and documented. Therefore, they are likely to discover more ancient works of art in the coming years.
Earlier archaeologists to create There are four Roman swords in Israel that are 1.9 thousand years old.